ã€ŠHacking the Game Didn&#x2019;t Go as Intendedã€‹


 Prologue

    Being your average weeb, anime and video games were the perfect window of escape for me. When I peeked at my mom and dad doing the naughty and got a solid beating as punishment, I played video games to forget about my aching bum.

    When my world crumbled and I lost everything, anime became my saving grace. It was my go-to remedy for coping with the crushing loneliness and pain.

    On those days when my life had absolutely hit rock bottom, I often dreamt of what it would be like if I had another life.

    I envisioned myself transmigrating into the body of another, mastering martial arts to exact vengeance on all the bullies who made his life miserable. I''d excel in academics to win over my parents'' approval and also confess my feelings to the lovely maiden who had a crush on the previous occupant of my body.

    No, wait... starting over in a world just like mine would be a complete waste. If I''m going to begin anew, it has to be as a mighty hero in a fantastical world of fairies and magic. I''d embark on a divine pilgrimage to vanquish the Demon Lord alongside my loyal companions, bringing eternal peace to the land.

    Or, better yet, hear me out now.

    My isekai world could be one of dungeons and dragons, where I''d join countless other fearless adventurers in pursuit of glory and fortune. With courage as my guide, I''d plunge headfirst into the gaping jaws of dungeons, ready to slay monsters and unearth precious treasures at every turn.

    Suddenly, amidst the darkness, I hear a scream¡ªa damsel in distress. Without hesitation, I rush to her aid, only to find myself confronted by a horde of vicious monsters. Desperate screams; the sting of steel; the pained cries of monsters.

    At the end of the chaos, I stand triumphant, a cool smile gracing my lips as the wind tousles my hair, my boot on the cocked backside of a goblin corpse.

    By my side stands the rescued elfess, her delicate features pressing softly against my impressive armor. She offers a shy smile, her cheeks flushed with gratitude. As our eyes meet, there''s a cosmic connection between us¡ªa spark that ignites something deep within. After confessing our love for one another, we get married, have a mountain of babies, and live happily ever after.

    Unfortunately, in this very moment, while I did manage to get reincarnated in another world, the reality that unfolds before my eyes is a far cry from the perfect world I often envisioned.

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    In the virtual world of Sehreneti Online, on the eleventh floor of a dungeon, silence hangs heavy, broken only by the echo of my own breath. Suddenly, a palpable wave of bloodlust sweeps through the air, its intensity almost suffocating. And then, in the darkness, a pair of malevolent eyes glint like frozen sapphires, piercing through the shadows with an unsettling glow.

    PLOP-PLOP-PLOP!

    The steady footfalls echo throughout the cavern, sending shivers down everyone¡¯s spine. As the eyes slowly emerge into the light, a monstrous beast is revealed, one that rivals the previous Floor Guardian in its sheer, imposing presence.

    Much like the Arctic Dire Wolves, the creature¡¯s body bears accents of protective ice, and the ice formation around its neck resembles the majestic mane of a lion. With each step, a bone-chilling aura follows, transforming the surroundings into a frigid wasteland.

    DING!

    [The Floor Guardian is infuriated by the death of its kin.]

    [Glacial Dire Wolf | Lvl 26 | Floor Guardian]

    RAWRRRRRR!

    An ear-splitting roar tears through the silence, shaking the stone walls and sending chilling gusts through the chamber, leaving everyone quaking in fear and shivering from the cold. Icicle-laden rock formations dislodge from the ceiling, plummeting like menacing death traps.

    Suddenly, out of nowhere, in a jaw-dropping turn of events, a blinding bolt of lightning surges from the cave¡¯s dark ceiling, striking the beast like a powerful tractor beam. The resulting thunderclap reverberates even more loudly than the creature¡¯s prior roar.

    The Glacial Dire Wolf convulses, its once powerful and icy form now steaming and charred. It collapses lifelessly, a smoldering husk. Emerging from the shadows, a larger, more imposing beast approaches with deliberate strides. It clamps its massive jaws around the neck of the motionless Floor Guardian, dragging and flailing the lifeless body as though it were a mere rag doll, until it hangs limp.

    Time seems to slow as the shards of ice that once encompassed the guardian¡¯s mane break free, falling to the ground like panes of glass. Our mortified expressions are reflected in the fragments. Elena blanches, her eyes quivering with dread, while Gavric and Rexar take a step back, their faces slick with sweat. The blood drains from Milo and Lyanna¡¯s faces, and the sword in Finnian¡¯s hand loosens, his shoulders slumping.

    Unnervingly, the fiend slowly turns its malevolent gaze toward us, blood dripping from its maw. A shiver courses through our bodies as we confront the formidable force that has just effortlessly dispatched the guardian.

    DING!

    [The Dungeon Boss awakens, seeking retribution against those who have disrupted its peaceful slumber.]

    [Volturax | Lvl 30 | Dungeon Boss]

    RAWRRRRRR!

    Another deafening roar reverberated through the chamber.

    DING!

    [The Volturax¡¯s skill ?Predator¡¯s Dominion? has induced the fear status.]

    DING!

    [You were subjected to a mental attack. ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing has countered the threat and preserved the sanctity of your mental state.]

    Time stretches out like an eternity, each passing moment heavy with impending doom. My heart races as the monstrous presence draws closer, its malicious intent palpable in the air.

    How could my attempt to hack the game lead to this? Now trapped within the digital confines of this world, facing imminent demise, I can''t help but feel a surge of panic. As an NPC, there will be no second chances for me. Is this truly the end after all I''ve endured?

 VOLUME I: ASCENSION | CHAPTER 1: The Beginning of the End

    ¡°Phew...¡±

    I let out a sigh of relief upon stowing away the mop and bucket inside the utility closet. Now that the work day was nearing its end, I could feel the full weight of my fatigue crashing down on my shoulders.

    Do I really have to shower tonight? I¡¯m beat!

    As if reading my mind, the manager calls out to me from across the room. Dale and his wife, Diana¡ªowners of the local convenience store¡ªare behind the counter by the cash register, tallying the day¡¯s earnings. I stop flexing my arm and turn to meet his wrinkled gaze.

    ¡°You mind grabbing the trash?¡± he asks.

    ¡°Sure thing, Mr. Robinson.¡±

    ¡°Daisuke,¡± Mrs. Robinson calls out next. ¡°We can handle the rest ourselves. It''s been a long day; why don''t you head home and get some rest after taking care of the trash?¡±

    Her suggestion, of course, is music to my ears, but I still find myself asking, ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s okay?¡±

    ¡°Bah!¡± Mr. Robinson exhales nosily. ¡°We may not be young whippersnappers anymore, but we still have enough energy to get things done. Isn¡¯t that right, dear?¡±

    He nudges her provocatively with his elbow.

    ¡°Oh you~¡± Mrs. Robinson giggles softly, the gentle folds around her cheeks turning bright pink with embarrassment.

    I can¡¯t help but cringe at the scene that happens more frequently than I would like. Agh! Gross! Please don¡¯t flirt while I¡¯m here!

    As I hurry for the trash to make myself scarce, a radiant smile spreads across my lips. The Robinsons, true to their nature, are very warm and compassionate individuals; one doesn''t need to be an acquaintance for them to shower you with kindness.

    They aren¡¯t quite aware of it, but they are the closest semblance of family or friends in my life. My parents met a tragic end five years ago in a car accident, and life has steadily spiraled downward ever since. The house and car were repossessed, university became a distant dream, and the absence of familial ties meant I faced my struggles alone, with no helping hand extended.

    Yes, I am alone.

    I never knew the world to be so cold and terrifying.

    However, just as I was about to fall into complete and utter despair, I was saved by the Robinsons. They are my proverbial life vest in the turbulent sea of life. When everything around me sinks into a watery abyss, they keep me afloat by offering a job when no one else would.

    And, since they weren¡¯t able to have any kids of their own due to medical complications, they treat me like their very own grandson. I¡¯m eternally thankful for that. Being with them gives meaning to my lowly existence.

    To be completely honest, the pay here isn¡¯t really that great, and I¡¯m pretty sure the constant flirting has killed off a significant portion of my brain cells. Yet, the reality is, I wouldn''t exchange this job for anything else in the world.

    However, let''s not paint an overly rosy picture here. There are aspects I''d trade away in a heartbeat. And as I muse over this inconvenient truth, the very nightmare I alluded to begins to take shape, like clockwork.

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± an eerie laugh reverberates through the air, reminiscent of a scene from a scary movie. ¡°The hour is nigh. Your doom approaches.¡±

    My heart skips a beat.

    The bone-chilling voice came from a Lyrebird that the Robinsons keep as a pet inside a birdcage. Lyrebirds, renowned mimics, can effortlessly replicate any sound, and this particular one has decided to transform my time at the store into a scene from a horror film.

    Following the high soprano voice, the bird begins simulating an ominous melody that could serve as the background theme in the aforementioned genre of films. However, the Lyrebird is the least of my concerns.

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    Breaking into a sweat, I nervously scan the surroundings. Nighttime has fallen, the store is closed, and the aisles are void of people. The Robinsons are occupied at the front, but another lifeform lurks in the building.

    As thoughts of the creature race through my mind, a memory surfaces: the sensation of my foot accidentally squishing a toy catfish belonging to a giant snapping turtle, the anguish it displayed, and its expression transforming into scorn and malice.

    That¡¯s right, for the past few weeks, I¡¯ve been hunted by a monstrous predator out seeking revenge for its toy plushy, and the Lyrebird is just along for the ride¡ªsensationalizing each episode and bringing my next appointment with the therapist that much closer.

    PLOP!

    I snap my head to the side at the sound of something falling from a low shelf, but there¡¯s nothing there. Regardless, I don¡¯t stay still; I move around, looking for the enemy. Again, I hear something fall on the other side of the shelf. I swallow, inching around the shelf to take a peek. There, on the floor, is a bag of rice.

    Am I just being paranoid? I ponder to myself. Maybe I''m actually getting a break from this madness today.

    Before I can breathe a sigh of relief, I hear a shuffling noise behind me, like a sack of sand being dragged along the floor. A chill runs down my spine. My head hesitantly pivots around like a creaking door, but there¡¯s nothing there.

    In the corner of my vision, I notice the Lyrebird cocking its head and throwing its voice across the room to create these auditory distractions. Before my fear can dissipate, swelling into rage instead, I sense an evil presence and catch a blur of movement.

    Behind me, Oscar¡ªthe pet snapping turtle that resembles a small dinosaur¡ªextends its neck robotically and catches the hem of my pants.

    ¡°Finish him!¡± the Lyrebird announces.

    I blanch, and in a whimper, I plead, ¡°Please don¡¯t.¡±

    But my sniveling only seems to add fuel to the flame. Oscar¡¯s eyes flash menacingly before he spirals into a death roll, similar to what crocodiles and alligators do to shred their food. I cry out as my body spins like a top before slamming into the hard ground.

    Then, the Mortal Kombat voice rings out again, ¡°Fatality!¡±

    ¡°Is everything all right back there?¡± Mr. Robinson calls out.

    Oscar spits out the large section of my pants he ripped away, his eyes narrowed challengingly as he slowly backs away, daring me to fight back.

    ¡°E-Everything¡¯s fine,¡± I respond back like a defeated coward as Oscar continues his victorious retreat, his eyes lit like laser beams.

    ¡°Your hell has only just begun,¡± the Lyrebird declares in a thick, dark accent reminiscent of an older century.

    ¡°What are you, a translator now?¡± I snap back, only ever having the gall to challenge the bird.

    From my place on the floor, I look up at the Robinsons and release a long sigh, contemplating whether I prefer getting my brain cells fried or enduring consistent bullying and torment from animals.

    Honestly, I don¡¯t like either.

    I''m pretty sure a few more weeks of this would have landed me in a straitjacket and admitted into a loony bin.

    But what could I do?

    Although the Robinsons¡¯ choice of pets is beyond bizarre, I genuinely enjoy their company. As an expression of my gratitude, I try my best to manage the workload so they won¡¯t strain themselves too much. Ideally, at their ripe old age, they should have long retired, but the stubborn old bags are sadly a pair of hopeless workaholics.

    ¡°Be careful not to strain yourself now,¡± Mrs. Robinson cautions as I consolidate all the trash into one and test its weight.

    ¡°Che~¡± Mr. Robinson playfully clicks his tongue. ¡°In my prime, I lifted twice the weight; don''t spoil him, Ma. A young lad like him should be finding a nice lass instead of flexing his muscles on trash.¡±

    ¡°A girlfriend on my wage?¡± I glare at him with mock humor. ¡°Don¡¯t make me laugh, Old Man! If you want me to break free from being a hopeless bachelor, then loosen those purse strings a bit!¡±

    ¡°No way,¡± he murmurs in response, his cheeks puffing up like a pufferfish. ¡°Find a girl first, then we¡¯ll talk.¡±

    ¡°Not gonna happen!¡±

    ¡°If you need money to find yourself a good girl, then you¡¯re probably not looking in the right place, dear,¡± Mrs. Robinson suggests with a smile.

    ¡°Oh Ma,¡± Mr. Robinson bends a knee and gallantly cups his wife¡¯s hand, his eyes gleaming like lanterns. ¡°Your words of wisdom and ravishing beauty are like a gentle breeze across an open meadow in spring.¡±

    ¡°Oh Dale!¡±

    ¡°Oh Diana!¡±

    PUHSHHH!

    The Lyrebird mimics the sound of the ocean crashing against a cliff, followed by a soothing chorus of bird calls that adds a romantic ambiance to the scene.

    I can feel my brain cells writhing in agony as I watch this dramatic scene unfold. Refusing to entertain this insanity any longer, I make a swift escape.

    The door chimes as I exit the store, the trash bag slung behind my back as if I''m a homeless bum. Inhaling deeply of the crisp, smog-filled air, I''m greeted by the distant sounds of cars humming and sirens wailing¡ªa symphony of the metropolis that had become all too familiar. My gaze shifts toward the towering monuments of steel that punctuate the dark night sky, their lights casting a glow on the urban landscape.

    A stray cat scurries off into the alley as I approach the dumpster. I scrunch up my face at the unpleasant odor, hastily ridding myself of my load. Taking a moment to reflect on Mrs. Robinson''s words, I find myself unable to decipher her meaning.

    Before I can turn to leave, I hear a familiar voice that makes my heart sink to my toes.

    ¡°Well, well, well¡­ now isn¡¯t this a pleasant surprise!¡±

 CHAPTER 2: A Bone to Pick

    Rigid with tension, I turn around nervously with my back pressed against the wall. My heart thrashes wildly in my chest as I notice a group of men approaching, resembling a pack of hyenas closing in on their prey.

    Sinister smirks and ominous snickers accompany each menacing thug, their concealed weapons adding an extra layer of threat.

    One man, unmistakably a sociopath, leisurely sweeps his tongue along the blade of his knife, a dark promise etched in the gesture. My bladder weakens at the chilling sight.

    Fueled by dread, I attempt to escape into the alley like the stray cat had done. But a cackling hyena emerges from that direction, revealing the calculated nature of their ambush.

    ¡°You¡¯re a difficult man to pin down, Mr. Williams.¡±

    WHAM!

    Following the snide remark, a flash of movement catches my attention. The wind briefly parts ways, and in the next moment, my nose bends at an angle I''m pretty sure it wasn''t meant to¡ªand searing pain shoots up into my head.

    My body slams against the wall of the convenience store, and trash cans tumble to the ground with me, their contents cluttering the pavement.

    The lackey responsible for the blow steps back, wearing a complacent grin. Blood seeps from my nose and mouth, the metallic taste of iron saturating my tongue.

    A guttural grunt escapes my throat as another lackey clutches a fistful of my hair, lifting my head. My eyes flutter open to a tall man in formal attire, confidently seated on a makeshift stool that a fellow lackey has unfolded, his legs crossing in an intimidating flair.

    It''s unmistakable... he is, without a doubt, the leader.

    ¡°Mr. Williams,¡± the man begins, his half-lidded eyes stern and unwavering. ¡°I am a man of discipline; I believe in rules and equivalent exchange. Contrary to popular belief, the underworld¡ªmuch like the rest of society¡ªis governed by strict rules and regulations. Without order, chaos ensues, and without communication, misinterpretation is inevitable.

    Even in my¡­ unique field of work,¡± he gracefully gesticulates with his hands, ¡°there are strict protocols to be followed. By agreeing to do business with us, you consented to those terms, am I wrong?¡±

    Still reeling from the blow to my face, the taste and smell of blood make me queasy. Words become muffled and slurred, and the grinning faces of the men morph into grotesque contortions reminiscent of a horror movie.

    A pained series of cries tear from my lungs as I¡¯m assaulted by a barrage of kicks to the face and torso.

    ¡°Answer the question, or we¡¯ll pound you into paste,¡± one of the thugs threatens, his beady eyes wide with malice.

    Before I can catch my breath, my head is yanked backward again, hard¡ªand my bloodshot eyes meet those of the man I borrowed money from weeks ago. There''s no pleasure in his expression, just a cold dissatisfaction with my pain-induced silence. But what could I do? I am weaving in and out of consciousness.

    Without a word, he gracefully slides from his stool and approaches me in a single fluid motion, his gaze fixed on my nametag. Deft fingers gently unclasp the pin from its catch, and in the next moment, a sharp object pierces my earlobe.

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    I clench my teeth as a groan escapes me. The onslaught of pain shakes me to my very core. In this intense moment, an unprecedented sense of regret courses through every fiber of my being, a regret born from the desperate choices that brought me to this harrowing juncture.

    Three weeks ago, I borrowed money from a notorious loan shark. To make matters worse, I was now running and hiding from them after missing the payment deadline.

    I knew I wouldn¡¯t escape unscathed, but the stark contrast between anticipating pain and actually experiencing it is overwhelming. The pain coursing through me now surpasses any level of torment I can imagine.

    Can this possibly get any worse?

    ¡°Listen up, kid,¡± the man''s voice becomes a chilling whisper. ¡°What we¡¯re running here is a business, not a LEGO set. Unlike the normies, we don¡¯t have the justice system on our side, so we have to make proper examples of clients like you to prevent others from taking us lightly.¡±

    The moment he rises and strides away, his underlings descend upon me like vultures on a carcass. While I struggle fruitlessly to defend my face against the flurry of kicks and stomps, the leader is busy exchanging his jacket for a crowbar.

    My eyes snap open in dread.

    ¡°No, please,¡± the plea escapes my throat before I can string together a coherent thought. An eerie premonition of what awaits tightens my entire body with horror. I summon the last shreds of strength that adrenaline provides, my nails splitting as they grip the concrete. But, before I can budge an inch, the hyenas pin my limbs.

    The leader looms over me like a spawn of hell, his eyes devoid of all emotion. ¡°You break the rules, you suffer the consequences¡ªequivalent exchange,¡± he utters, tilting his head. ¡°You seem very proud of your legs that you''ve been using to run and hide.¡±

    ¡°W-Wait a minute¡ª¡±

    CRACK!

    Time seems to warp, my eyes trembling wildly as the unpleasant sound of breaking bone reverberates through the narrow alley. Waves of scorching pain surge through every cell in my body, and a primal roar tears my lungs, drowning out the sadistic cackling of the hyenas.

    My body is suddenly drenched in sweat. Without a conscious thought, I lift my head, my vision blurred by the excruciating pain, and gaze down at my leg. It is not only discolored but also twisted at an angle that defies anatomical possibility.

    Next, I catch the unremorseful gaze of the man who just crippled me. His demeanor has transformed, shedding the veneer of a calm and composed leader. Instead, he wears the visage of a malevolent force, poised to bestow unmerciful retribution.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯ll be able to run next time when you¡¯re in a wheelchair.¡±

    That was the signal.

    The man¡¯s fingers tighten around the crowbar, and his lackeys watch in undisguised excitement.

    ¡°¡­Fifty percent,¡± I mutter under my breath.

    The crowbar freezes in mid-air, and all eyes fixate on me.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Fifty percent!¡± I shout breathlessly.

    A hyena whistles in awe.

    ¡°I¡­ made a time-sensitive investment with the money,¡± I explain in a stupefied manner, saliva drooling from the corners of my mouth. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ regretful it turned out this way, but I¡¯ll make amends by repaying the loan with a higher interest rate.¡±

    The leader looks down at me without a hint of sympathy, weighing my proposal.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ my first time missing a payment; show mercy just this once. Besides, putting me in a wheelchair will only delay the repayment further.¡±

    WEE-WOO-WEE-WOO-WEE-WOO!

    The approaching wail of police sirens fractures the tension, compelling the leader to reach a decision.

    ¡°Tsk,¡± he clicks his tongue, visibly annoyed at losing control of the situation. His Oxford dress shoe presses down onto my face, as though snuffing out a spent cigar. ¡°You have until the end of the month to return what you owe¡­ along with the additional interest.¡±

    Swapping the crowbar for his jacket, the man casually reaches for a vape pen. After drawing a deep puff, he takes one last glaring look at his handy work before sauntering off with his crew. They are clearly disappointed that they missed out on a bit more amusement.

    Soon after, I hear the stifled cries of the Robinsons as they frantically rush over from the store. It appears they witnessed the ordeal and promptly called the authorities.

    The timing is impeccable, but I lack the strength to say that or reassure them that I''m fine. My body is numb, my strength drained, and it isn''t long before unconsciousness sweeps over me.

 CHAPTER 3: I Have a Plan

    My eyes flutter open slowly. I blink several times, adjusting to the unfamiliar environment that surrounds me.

    Soft morning light trickles through the half-drawn curtains, casting a gentle glow on the hospital room. The ambient sounds of beeping machines and distant voices meld into a constant hum in the background.

    The room, meticulously clean, exudes the scent of antiseptic with subtle undertones of artificial fragrances and cleaners. The sterile aroma, typical of hospitals, has always made me uneasy.

    I wince as a dull ache shoots up from my leg, only to discover it encased in plaster when I look down. As I stare at it, the room eerily quiets, and I can hear my heartbeat. Memories of the traumatic events from last night resurface gradually, like moonlight unveiling the grotesque visage of a gargoyle, and my pulse spins out of control.

    Snippets of visuals bombard my mind¡ªthe brutal punch to my face, the relentless kicks and stomps, the crowbar''s merciless descent, and the excruciating pain that ensued. Cold beads of sweat glisten on my forehead as I remember the ominous final warning from the loan sharks, and my chest heaves with each anxious breath.

    Ignoring the Holter monitor that has begun beeping noisily, mirroring my erratic heart rate, I gingerly attempt to move, steeling my resolve despite the twinge of pain.

    I can''t afford the luxury of lying here until my leg heals, I declare to myself. I''ll end up at the bottom of some nameless lake if I don¡¯t get that money.

    The doctor bursts into the room just in time to catch me reaching for the pair of crutches beside the bed. Clearly shocked, he swiftly moves forward to lend support, anticipating a potential fall.

    ¡°M-Mr. Williams!¡± he stutters. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing? You¡­ how did you even manage to get out of bed?¡±

    He frowns disapprovingly upon spying the bloodstained T-shirt that I''ve put on. Then, his gaze lingers on the blue hospital gown still draped over me.

    I smile awkwardly, tousling the back of my head. ¡°I¡¯ll wash and return it soon,¡± I assure him. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to put my pants on with my leg in this state.¡±

    The man sighs deeply, taking a step back once he''s sure I¡¯m secure on the crutches. ¡°Your pants were cut off your body,¡± he informs drearily. ¡°So, it can no longer serve its purpose. But, that¡¯s beyond the point. Your leg is broken; you shouldn¡¯t be out of bed or moving around.¡±

    My lips press into a thin line as I maintain eye contact with the doctor. All he did was state the obvious, but he didn¡¯t make any demands of me.

    I sense that he might be aware of the circumstances behind my injuries but chooses not to hold me hostage or complicate matters further. It''s common knowledge that gangs often target family members when they can''t reach their primary target¡ªthough I have no relatives I''m in contact with.

    Also, it''s not rocket science to figure out that I''m dirt poor and broke. If being penniless had a scent, I''d undoubtedly reek of it. Lingering here longer than necessary and accumulating more debt wouldn''t be in my best interest.

    The mere contemplation of ambulance and medical fees would typically turn a few more strands of my hair white instantly, but I have a plan. It''s tied to the investment I mentioned to the loan sharks and stands as my last-ditch effort to regain control over my life.

    ¡°Wearing that bloody shirt in public will just draw unnecessary attention,¡± the man explains ruefully. ¡°If you¡¯re fine with it, go ahead and use the hospital¡¯s gown; you don¡¯t need to return it.¡±

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    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    I leave the hospital behind without looking back. The summer heat is brutal, especially when your speed is reduced to that of a snail.

    Focused on my destination, I tune out the hustle and bustle of the city streets, making an effort to navigate the chaotic dance of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

    The cacophony of sounds¡ªcar horns, chatter, construction, and distant sirens¡ªcreates a unique rhythm exclusive to the metropolis. Undeterred by the whirlwind of activity, I seamlessly integrate into the organized chaos that defines the heartbeat of this vibrant urban landscape.

    As I trudge homeward, I become aware that a specific story is saturating various news outlets across different platforms¡ªbillboards, radios, televisions, and even skyscrapers. My curiosity piqued, I come to a standstill at a storefront, captivated by the live feed being projected in holographic splendor on the window.

    ¡ª ¡°The Zenith Corporation, based in China, has finally achieved the impossible,¡± declared a bright and bubbly female anchor with an air of wonder. ¡°They¡¯ve created the very first VRMMORPG game¡ªSehreneti Online. A world of infinite possibilities awaits, sculpted by the unparalleled AI, Aphiniti.¡±

    The camera pans to the rolling landscapes of Sehreneti Online, a realm alive with wonder and grandeur. Characters engage in epic battles, build alliances, and embark on quests in this unprecedented virtual world.

    ¡ª ¡°Expectantly, with the advent of artificial intelligence a few years ago, it was merely a matter of time before augmented reality blossomed into fully immersive virtual reality games.

    As for Sehreneti Online, the game¡¯s pulse resides in the world¡¯s most powerful Quantumnova supercomputer, giving rise to a living, breathing universe,¡± the woman announces excitedly. ¡°To bask in the full splendor of Sehreneti Online, one must step into the Nexusphere¡ªan engineering marvel rivaling Aphiniti herself. It''s a full-body, complete sensory capsule that opens the door to a domain where reality and imagination seamlessly intertwine.¡±

    My expression hardens as I envision the immersive experience that awaits within the Nexusphere. But beyond mere curiosity and the longing to explore this uncharted digital frontier, my eagerness is fueled by the prospect of seizing this new opportunity to rake in some much-needed cash.

    ¡ª ¡°The anticipation is tangible,¡± the anchor continues, gesturing toward the line forming behind her. ¡°This queue of eager enthusiasts stands poised to secure their very own Nexusphere capsules while supply lasts, gearing up for the game¡¯s official release next month.

    Yet, even among those who will secure a capsule in time for the official launch, the luckiest would have to be the five-hundred who were specially chosen to be beta testers,¡± the woman¡¯s eyes gleamed, which made one wonder if she was chosen, as well. ¡°They will become the esteemed pioneers in this uncharted realm, shaping its destiny before the rest of the world arrives.¡±

    Disregarding the woman who was quite likely a low-key game fanatic, I shift my gaze down to the fractured screen of my watch. The clock reads 12:14 p.m., and the beta is set to commence at two, which gives me a little over an hour to kick things off.

    As I shuffle home, I can''t help but think that whatever transgressions I committed in my past life to incur the wrath of Karma and Lady Luck must have been staggering, considering how wretched my current existence has become.

    I don¡¯t have any friends, save for the few online that I only ever talk to about video game-related matters. And any family members aware of my existence have deemed me a burden.

    In the aftermath of losing my parents, grief became an overwhelming force that reshaped me. Gaming and anime emerged as my sole refuge from sorrow, providing an escape but no solution to the cascade of challenges that began to unfold at my feet, much like a relentless domino effect.

    Without parents or any familial support, I had to navigate the waters of independence. Using the college fund my parents had set aside, I secured a small apartment and began plotting my next steps.

    I decided to teach myself computer programming with the goal of becoming a freelance web developer.

    But it was boring.

    Somewhere along the line, I found myself delving into the creation of game hacks, a niche that quickly gained popularity with demands pouring in. What started as a side gig tailored for gamers with questionable sportsmanship became a thriving enterprise.

    However, as the gaming industry stood on the brink of a transformative change, I pondered whether my current hacking skills could weather this shift. The honest answer was no¡ªbut I had a plan.

 CHAPTER 4: Operation Jupiter

    With my old, more capable pair of legs, the journey from the hospital to my apartment would have taken no more than fifteen minutes. However, burdened by a fracture and a body battered by villains, it now stretched to almost an hour.

    I don¡¯t have much time left.

    Approaching the unimpressive apartment complex, I find solace in the fact that my room occupies the first floor of the three-story building. Navigating the lonely hallway with my crutches, I turn towards my door with tempered expectations.

    Shifting my weight on the crutches, I rummage through a plastic bag containing my personal belongings to find the keys and unlock the door. A childish, wistful part of me hopes for a warm welcome from my parents, but reality hits me¡ªa mountain of trash heaps awaits, demanding careful navigation to prevent a disaster.

    Wading through what feels like a marsh of garbage, I make my way to the other side of the cramped room. It''s embarrassing to admit, but my workstation stands as the sole semblance of organization and aesthetics in my small, single-room apartment.

    Without delay, I gingerly transfer my weight from the crutches to my chair, turning towards the desktop computer I left idling. The mechanical keyboard clacks as I start interfacing with the device. The three monitors I have mounted on the wall discards the animated screensaver, and one of them unveils an open program displaying a completed status.

    In this moment, the first genuine smile since the harrowing encounter with the loan sharks graces my lips. Everything''s in place! Operation Jupiter is a go!

    The early 2000s was the advent of the ultimate cyber weapon¡ªStuxnet. This virus was so well made it even boasted valid digital certificates, which was virtually impossible to procure outside of regulated norms.

    Silently infiltrating computers and entire networks, Stuxnet operated in the shadows, eluding detection while wielding the power to manipulate data and settings at will. Its potential for devastation was unparalleled, capable of crippling entire infrastructures and bringing nations to their knees. Picture the sudden blackout of a power grid, plunging an entire country into darkness and bringing the supply chain to a grinding halt.

    The primary purpose behind Stuxnet¡¯s creation was to undermine Iran¡¯s nuclear energy and enrichment program, a blatant violation of international agreements. Though the Iranian government claimed it was for the citizens'' welfare, everyone and their grandfather knew it was actually for weapons development.

    The mastermind behind the virus you ask? It was none other than the United States¡¯ government and its allies¡ªpooling their money and resources to engineer the most potent digital weapon ever conceived.

    However, there was one thing they didn¡¯t consider: once anything finds its way onto the web, it becomes a permanent resident, and the internet, in its democratic nature, ensures that any piece of information available online is accessible to everyone, everywhere, indefinitely, often free of charge.

    Consequently, thousands worldwide were able to get their hands on the Stuxnet code. And they immediately began taking it apart and tinkering with it; tailoring it to meet their own agendas.

    As one might expect, I joined the ranks of those individuals, giving birth to Jupiter¡ªthe ultimate gaming hack. While it may pale in comparison to the cutting-edge cyber weapon, Nitro Zeus, it should suffice for the task at hand.

    With a smile of anticipation, I crane my head to follow the cables that tether my CPU to the human-sized capsule taking up a considerable amount of real estate in my match box of a room.

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    I firmly believe that the opportune moment to deploy the hack into the game''s server is during the beta testing phase when the security measures are not yet fully integrated. I initiated the overnight transfer of Jupiter''s source code to the Nexusphere''s highly encrypted internal hard drive.

    As the capsule boots up and engages with Zenith''s hardware, Jupiter, as per its design, is meant to inconspicuously tunnel into their servers, exercising extreme discretion to practically vanish from the AI''s and the firewall''s detection. At least, that''s the theory.

    Ideally, I shouldn¡¯t be putting all my eggs in one basket, but if this plan fails, there are no extra lives; China will rip me a new one¡ªand that¡¯s assuming the loan sharks don¡¯t get to me first.

    I swallow hard as I consider the repercussions of my illegal pursuit, but it¡¯s too late to turn back now. In an attempt to reignite my motivation, my gaze instinctively falls upon the small picture frame perched on the corner of my desk.

    Captured within the embrace of the great outdoors is an attractive Asian woman and a handsome, light-skinned man with an impressive physique. They are my parents, and I am determined not to squander the life they so lovingly bestowed upon me.

    The computer monitor registers one 5:50 p.m. A mere five minutes stand between me and the imminent, life-altering moment.

    Minding my leg, I carefully reach for my crutches and awkwardly make my way into the capsule I endangered my life to buy with dirty money.

    The Nexusphere envelops me with a sensory embrace, boasting a range of features that transform the small, cylindrical space into a haven.

    The advanced air conditioning creates a cocoon of comfort, while the state-of-the-art AR monitor immerses me in a visual spectacle. A built-in smart device meticulously monitors my vitals, ensuring a seamless integration of technology and well-being.

    ¡°Initialize,¡± I command once comfortably settled.

    Responding to the voice command, the Nexusphere responds with a gradual sealing of the hatch door. The interior radiates a gentle glow, the air conditioning hums, and a holographic display materializes before my eyes as the machine performs a rapid diagnostic check.

    Embedded with an intricate network of sensors strategically focused around my head, the Nexusphere initiates a wireless probing that mirrors the eerie sensation of being watched from afar.

    Suddenly, the once-stable Nexusphere plunges into chaos¡ªthe ambient light fades in and out, the projected screen flickers incessantly, and the cooling breeze of the AC succumbs to stillness.

    I feel myself getting disconnected¡ªphysically and mentally. I¡¯ve never Dived before, but an unsettling intuition informs me that something is terribly and unquestionably wrong.

    Did Jupiter fry the Nexusphere¡¯s mainframe? Was the hack detected by the Zenith Cooperation in the process of trying to infiltrate their servers? Are these the reverberations of either one of those scenarios?

    I can hear the warning bells going off in the capsule as my vitals go ballistic, but there¡¯s nothing I can do. The alarms gradually grow dull. My senses fade as they are intercepted by the Nexusphere and rerouted into the virtual world.

    Suddenly, my senses are thrust back into awareness. A sequence of sensations¡ªwarmth, followed by freezing cold¡ªengulfs me in a disorienting darkness. Panic sets in as my attempts to breathe are met with resistance.

    I try looking around, but my eyes are heavy, my body uncooperative. I try to scream, to call for help, but ended up with a lungful of water instead. From the depths, an imposing force clutches both sides of my torso.

    Powerless, I brace for an ominous fate.

    WHOOSH!

    Water cascades from my body as I''m lifted from a water-filled bathtub. Recoiling from a bout of coughing and regaining my breath, my eyes snap open, a mix of dread and confusion enveloping me. I''m reminded of a stunned Simba from The Lion King, held aloft by Rafiki before the animals of the Pride Lands.

    Automatically drawn to the dark figure cradling me, my eyes catch the full moon piercing through billowing clouds, illuminating the weary yet smiling face of a woman.

    A flurry of questions floods my mind: Where am I? Who is she? And how can she be lifting me so effortlessly when I¡¯m a twenty-three-year-old dude?

    I look down to assess my body, only to find a pudgy pair of hands and legs... and an umbilical cord Wait. WHAT?!

 CHAPTER 5: Uncanny Parallels

    It was 2 pm¡ªthe official launch of the beta for Sehreneti Online. Within mere seconds, dozens of the selected ?players? for the trial run commenced logging into the game.

    Despite the sudden influx of signatures engaging with the servers simultaneously, Aphiniti¡ªboasting an unparalleled processing ability¡ªswiftly detected a grave anomaly.

    Without hesitation, she confronted the irregularity, her defense mechanism rearing its head¡ªa formidable firewall that reached out like ghostly appendages.

    In moments, the foreign threat was identified¡ªan offspring of the notorious Stuxnet virus, a byproduct of decades-old sociopolitical warfare.

    Yet, Aphiniti, a technological marvel ahead of her time, remained undeterred. She possessed the potential to completely neutralize the threat.

    Her proverbial eyebrows narrowed as she confidently squared up against the malware, a looming menace that jeopardized the sanctity of the universe her masters had painstakingly sculpted.

    Little did she know, however, that her intervention in this moment would set in motion a pendulum effect, creating irreversible ripples that echoed through both the real and virtual worlds.

    ***

    In the heart of the Zenith Corporation¡¯s bustling headquarters, one of the senior developers, Zh¨¡ng W¨§i, sat quietly in his dimly lit office.

    Instead of the conventional photo albums portraying a family, his desk bore a delightful chaos of action figures and other adornments that reflected his undying passion for animation and video games.

    While the other executives indulged in a celebratory toast to mark the successful game launch in the boardroom, he found solace in the tranquility of his own space.

    After overseeing the smooth login of most players, he shifted his substantial frame in his chair and was soon engrossed in a video game on his phone, his pudgy face illuminated by the phone¡¯s screen.

    Meanwhile, on one of his diagnostic monitors, amid the sea of data streaming across the screens, a fleeting error notification momentarily interrupted the usual flow.

    This digital whisper carried significance, for it pertained to none other than Aphiniti¡ªthe artificial intelligence administering the newly launched game.

    When he eventually turned his gaze toward the monitors through thick-rimmed glasses, he discovered the lingering vestiges of the vanishing notification. Regrettably, it was too late to investigate further as it had already vanished from the screen.

    A momentary frown etched across Zh¨¡ng W¨§i¡¯s face as he briefly considered checking the logs to uncover the cause of the error. However, curiosity succumbed to the allure of his ongoing game, and he decided to let the matter rest. After all, Aphiniti was perfect; even without his complete vigilance, it was virtually impossible for anything to go wrong.

    ***

    ¡ª ¡°As I speak, beta testers from across the globe are pouring into the game, painstakingly on the hunt for bugs and glitches,¡± declared a familiar news anchor. ¡°Predictably, ¡®Sehreneti Online Beta Test¡¯ has claimed the top spot as the trending keyword on the internet.

    Community forums and various other platforms are already abuzz with discussions about the game¡¯s intricacies. Now, let¡¯s read what one of our world¡¯s top pro gamers has to say. He¡¯s posting on the forum straight from within the game.¡±

    [Solo-Master: Man, I can¡¯t even put into words how mind-blowing this game is! It¡¯s like I¡¯ve landed on some crazy alien planet instead of just playing a game.

    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    I¡¯m not one for conspiracies, but seriously, I¡¯m starting to think they made this thing with some next-level alien tech. How else do you explain how ridiculously real everything is? We¡¯re talking about venturing into virtual reality, right¡ªuncharted waters! You¡¯d expect a few hiccups, but nope, none here.

    Zenith Corporation really knocked it out of the park. I can practically smell the grass, feel the dirt under my feet, and hell, I swear I can feel the wind on my face. It¡¯s too damn real, like I¡¯ve fallen down a rabbit hole or something. Zenith¡¯s on a whole new level with this one.]

    A female medical receptionist gracefully shifted her focus away from the monitor mounted on the wall as an elderly couple approached the front desk.

    Her son had fallen under the spell of a captivating new video game, incessantly urging her to invest a considerable sum in acquiring the elusive Nexusphere.

    While the device was well above her pay grade, she was still curious to learn what the hype was all about since her son seldomly asked her for anything.

    Though, the idea of a virtual realm similar to the real world stirred conflicting emotions. Wasn¡¯t that a whole new level of being a Tablet Kid?

    Dismissing the horrid notion, she metaphorically donned her work mask and turned her attention to the slowly approaching guests.

    ¡°Hello, how can I assist you today?¡±

    ¡°Hi,¡± Diana began, glancing at her husband with a warm smile. ¡°We¡¯re here to see Daisuke Williams. He got admitted last night.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Williams,¡± the receptionist drawled as she entered the surname into the system to retrieve his information. ¡°Daisuke Williams, correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Dale confirmed. ¡°He¡¯s been working for us for a couple of years now. He¡¯s become somewhat of a grandson to us.¡±

    ¡°Poor thing,¡± Diana¡¯s eyebrows wrinkled in distress. ¡°I hope he¡¯s feeling a lot better now.¡±

    ¡°Um,¡± the receptionist met the hopeful gazes of the Robinsons with regret in their eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say, but Mr. Williams insisted and was discharged from the hospital earlier this morning.¡±

    The news landed like a heavy blow on the Robinsons, leaving them both shocked and appalled. Dale¡¯s response came with a tinge of accusation, ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    Diana, her expression etched with grief, asked with concern, ¡°Is it safe for him to be moving around already?¡±

    ¡°Ideally, he should be in bed for a few weeks,¡± the clerk clarified ruefully. ¡°But, unless he has a mental illness or presumed to be a danger to himself or others, we can¡¯t forcefully keep him here.¡±

    Diana turned to her husband, seeking guidance in this unexpected turn of events. ¡°Dear, what should we do?¡±

    Dale¡¯s fingers tightened around an envelope containing a blank check and paperwork transferring ownership of their business. His reassurance came with a sweet and gentle tone as he cupped the side of her face, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Honey. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll drop by the store once he¡¯s able. Our grandson is a tough and responsible kid.¡±

    ***

    Daisuke was in a state of stunned silence.

    While his virtual mother held him aloft and regarded him worrisomely, concerned that her newborn baby was as stiff as a board, his quivering eyes were busy appraising the dark and dilapidated world around him. Even if a dystopian spin was implemented, it was becoming worryingly clear that this wasn¡¯t the ?Character Creation Screen?.

    ¡­Then where am I? This¡­ can¡¯t be inside the game, can it?

    Observing his stubby hands and feet, he pondered whether his current predicament was a carefully orchestrated special event as Zenith was notorious for being fanatics when it came to the pursuit of realism.

    ¡°In what world,¡± he imagined the head of development declaring with dramatic flair, passionately clutching his chest, ¡°is a human being given an adult form at the moment of inception? An unrealistic one, that¡¯s what!¡±

    As Daisuke surveyed his surroundings, however, that notion seemed to drift farther away from possibility, dragging his emotions along into the depths of despair.

    The dim glow of a virtual moon filtered through a broken window, sparsely illuminating a small, squalid bedroom seamlessly blending with the adjoining bathroom.

    Tattered posters and eerie cracks adorned the walls, while the few timeworn pieces of furniture scattered across the space bore the unmistakable marks of years of neglect.

    Tilting his head, Daisuke gazed past the rough, uneven floorboards and through the crooked front door. The distant chatter and bleak hum of the slums, now his new home, faintly reached his ears. His lips quivered as he processed the harsh reality of his surroundings.

    Since the fateful day his parents passed away, life seemed relentless in its pursuit of his misfortune. Wave after wave of bad luck came crashing down all around him, leaving no room for respite. The latest investment was supposed to be his salvation¡ªa foolproof plan to break free from the clutches of his unlucky streak.

    However, fate had other plans, and now he found himself in a virtual prison for his recent crime, more wretched than the life he sought to escape. It was a punishment for daring to dream of a better life.

    Daisuke felt his stomach tighten, his heart shattering into fragments as the tragic reality unfolded around him. His round, pale face suddenly crumpled, and then he started wailing.

    Through his bitter tears, he could see his virtual mother heave a warm smile of relief. Her beauty and radiance were in stark contrast to the gloom of the background, and she cradled him in her arms, an almost palpable aura of maternal loving and care washing over him, lulling the newborn into a deep sleep.

 CHAPTER 6: My Virtual Mother

    Daisuke was roused from his slumber by an insistent knock at the door. Rising from his position around the computer desk, he wiped the drool from his cheek and swiftly reached for his crutches, pushing himself to his feet with urgency.

    As he skillfully navigated through the mountains of trash in his room, another knock echoed. ¡°Mr. Williams,¡± a muffled voice called. ¡°It¡¯s Dr. Cole... I¡¯m here to pick up the hospital gown, as promised.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Daisuke frowned in annoyance. I thought he said I could keep them.

    Gripping the doorknob, Daisuke swung the door open with more force than necessary, his eyebrows furrowed in discontent. However, his disgruntled expression cleared when he realized that the corridor was eerily empty¡ªthe doctor had vanished without a trace.

    Dwelling on the issue for but a fleeting moment, Daisuke closed the door and awkwardly pivoted on his crutches. It was then that he noticed the Lyrebird perched on the microwave in the small kitchenette.

    Connecting the dots, Daisuke¡¯s brows furrowed in anger once again. But before he could unleash his frustration on the mischievous bird, a hole suddenly manifested in the floor¡ªno, it wasn¡¯t just your typical hole at all.

    A monstrous snapping turtle unleashed a sinister hiss, its gaping maw expanding with a terrifying voracity. Stretching almost a meter in diameter, the creature¡¯s mouth became an insatiable void, effortlessly sucking in heaps of trash like a relentless black hole. The Nexusphere, the photo album, and the entire computer station were mercilessly devoured by the treacherous abyss.

    Daisuke¡¯s cry echoed as his crutches were violently sucked in, costing him his balance. Toppling to the floor, he desperately clawed for anything within reach.

    The Lyrebird, unmoved by the vacuum-like suction, observed with twisted amusement. It cackled like a hyena, reveling in the success of its malevolent game as its target was swallowed by the dark abyss.

    In a dark and familiar alley, a prolonged gasp tore from Daisuke¡¯s lungs. His gaze panned out from the lupine maw of a cackling hyena, many of them gradually encircling him. Some licked their lips hungrily, their tails curved upwards in uncontrolled excitement, creating a nightmarish scene of impending doom.

    Sitting upright, Daisuke desperately attempted to inch backward, only to find his back pressed against the unforgiving wall of the convenience store. Ignoring his bloody lip, he reached for the nametag hanging from his pierced earlobe, but his attention was abruptly seized by the light reflecting off a menacing crowbar.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in horror as the man, draped in a familiar suit, raised the weapon above his head with a face-splitting grin. The crowbar descended with unrelenting force toward his knee. The heart-rending sound of shattering bone sent rippling cracks through the overcast sky, like a puzzle breaking at the seams. And as the fragmented world drifted away, Daisuke heard his own wailing reverberating in his ears.

    ¡°Oh no,¡± a soothing voice chimed amidst the tears. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did my little firefly have a bad dream?¡±

    At the sound of the angelic tone, Daisuke¡¯s once-piercing screams transformed into soft sniffles. His erratic pulse gradually calmed as she gently gathered him up from his resting place, cradling him within her arms. Her warmth was like a tender caress, soothing the turmoil within.

    Her initially blurred profile gradually sharpened as his tears dried. This mysterious woman, his virtual mother, emerged as stunningly beautiful, and Daisuke fell into silent captivity under the spell of her irresistible charm.

    Despite the miserable state of the room, promising a life akin to or worse than what he endured before, the woman in front of him emitted a radiant glow. Her kind, oceanic eyes and radiant smile exuded a warmth that dispelled the cold whisper of a dark fate.

    ¡°How about a nursery rhyme?¡± the woman suggested in a soft whisper. ¡°Whenever I was upset as a child, my mother would always sing it for me.¡±

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    Daisuke waited in anticipation as the mesmerizing woman took a breath. Her thick eyelashes drifted close, and her small, rosy lips parted, releasing a soothing note into the air.

    In shadows deep where dreams may weep,

    A cradle of stars, a soul to keep.

    Through sorrows vast, the moonlight cast,

    Whispers soft, a memory¡¯s grasp.

    Hush, my child, the night is kind,

    Embrace the echoes left behind.

    Stars dance in skies, where teardrops lie,

    A lullaby for a soul to fly.

    In petals soft, where dreams aloft,

    A garden blooms, emotions soft.

    With gentle grace, time¡¯s warm embrace,

    An eternal bond, love¡¯s sacred space.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes gleamed. As the gentle notes of the nursery rhyme filled the virtual room, he felt a sense of comfort seeping into his tiny frame. The haunting melody, tender and soothing, wrapped around him like a soft cocoon.

    The troubles of his virtual existence momentarily faded away, replaced by the warmth of the lullaby. The room, once shadowed, seemed to brighten with the simplicity of the song.

    In the reassuring arms of his virtual mother, Daisuke¡¯s eyes drifted close, a serene smile gracing his lips. The melody, a balm to his young soul, offered a moment of solace in the midst of the virtual storm.

    ***

    In the initial weeks since his... birth, Daisuke¡¯s memories were somewhat hazy, but he had come to terms, more or less, with his mysterious fate. The truth was, his previous life wasn¡¯t much better¡ªowing money to loan sharks, with hospital bills stacking atop the already lofty heap.

    Recently, Daisuke found himself often left alone in the small living room for minutes or hours at a time. He would stare up at the clumsily constructed ceiling from a straw-woven basket, fearing the worst.

    ¡°Mommy has to go to work now, Haxks,¡± she¡¯d say with a weary smile each time. ¡°Be a good boy and sleep while I¡¯m gone. I¡¯ll be back soon. Mommy loves you very much.¡±

    Daisuke would pout.

    ¡°Oh my,¡± she¡¯d giggle, her charm and etiquette seeming out of place in the slums. ¡°Are you pouting? That¡¯s so adorable!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s motor skills hadn¡¯t yet developed, rendering him unable to escape if the roof decided to cave in, nor could he leave the nest to find his virtual mother¡¯s whereabouts. Similarly, his vocal cords were still undeveloped, robbing him of the ability to question why he faced constant neglect. Did child services even exist in this world? And if they did, would they extend their reach to children in the slums?

    Enduring prolonged periods of neglect, though frustrating for a developed adult mind, provided Daisuke with ample time to contemplate his circumstances.

    After an extensive brainstorming session, Daisuke distilled his wild conspiracy theories into three plausible conclusions: he had died and reincarnated as a baby in another world; he existed within the game as a baby, or tampering with the Nexusphere had induced an electrical discharge that fried his brain and plunged him into a coma. Consequently, this surreal experience could be a very bizarre and lucid dream, or a hallucination on steroids.

    Disregarding the precarious state of the roof, Daisuke raised a pudgy arm and performed a motion akin to skimming his fingertips along the circumference of a doorknob. According to the game¡¯s manual, this was the gesture for opening the ?Main Menu?.

    However, despite now having the ability to move his arms, every attempt to open the Menu had proven futile. Neither mental commands nor physical gestures had succeeded, leaving the final method dependent on a verbal command¡ªan option currently beyond his reach.

    I¡¯ll just stick a pin in that one for the time being.

    Despite his persistent but unsuccessful attempts at interacting with the ?System?, Daisuke couldn¡¯t shake the gut feeling that he resided within the game. Sure, he had somehow bypassed the Character Selection Screen and other similar interfaces, but a certain fact still remained¡ªwhether in a dream, hallucination, or another world, ending up with a name as obnoxious as ¡°Haxks¡± seemed too ironic, if not uncanny.

    Setting aside the name¡¯s attractiveness¡ªgiven his current circumstances¡ªit felt too fitting, almost scripted, for him to be given such a name outside the game. Even with a different spelling, the pronunciation still resembled ¡°Hacks¡± or ¡°Hax,¡± a nod to his side gig of hacking games in his previous life.

    His ?NPC? mother, it seemed, was carrying out the System¡¯s punishment for sullying the game with malware, a penalty he accepted one hundred percent.

    Though, I have to say, thought Daisuke mentally with a fierce blush as his mother held him close for breastfeeding. For a game, the attention to detail and realism is seriously out of this world!

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 100%

 CHAPTER 7: Dire Straits

    On record, the earliest a baby ever started walking is within three months. Daisuke shattered that record by a whole fifteen days. It was a shame the Guinness World Record had no place in this world, wherever it might be.

    ¡°Oh, my goddess!¡± Daisuke¡¯s mother exclaimed in a mix of shock and delight, dropping to her knees with arms outstretched. ¡°Haxks! You¡¯re not even three months old yet; how can you already be walking?!¡±

    With a smug smile, Daisuke waddled into her arms, and she hugged him affectionately.

    ¡°Good job! Mommy¡¯s little boy is so smart,¡± she cooed in baby talk. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes sparkled. At the back of his mind, he somewhat felt like a cheat, being essentially a young adult inside the body of a baby. Yet, the shower of compliments and attention stirred a warm quiver in his heart.

    ¡°I know the world must be tempting now that you can move around, but promise me... never venture outside, okay?¡± She pointed at the sorry excuse for a door, shaking her head in denial.

    Daisuke had never been outside before, and whenever his mother ventured out, she draped herself thoroughly, reminiscent of someone from a Middle Eastern country.

    Was that the case? Did this world adhere to some absurdly chauvinistic law, or was she merely a fugitive? Regardless, Daisuke harbored no intent to expose himself to risks when he couldn¡¯t currently defend himself. And by defending, he meant, of course, running away.

    ***

    Being able to waddle around like a penguin was certainly an improvement over being confined to a straw-woven basket, but there was nothing worth seeing in a decrepit old hut. Keeping a baby entertained was simple, but a mature mind needed greater stimulus to be content, and the bats now living in the roof didn¡¯t provide nearly enough.

    After a bit of exploring, Daisuke found what remained of a mirror beside the stained old bathtub, which he had secretly brought into the living room area. It was the first time he was seeing himself since he was whisked away to this godforsaken world.

    Small hands tousled the silver hair that sat atop his head. A round pair of butterscotch eyes assessed the silky rose beige that was his skin tone. And, finally, he stretched the waist of his diaper and took a gander down south.

    Phew, he wiped away the nonexistent sweat from his forehead with a sigh of relief. Thanks, dad!

    While walking toward the bedroom with a cupped chin, Daisuke started deliberating. Except for my eyes and hair color, which I got from the NPC, I pretty much have the same physical traits as I did in the real world.

    Daisuke regarded his mother as an NPC, but with the exception of her obnoxious naming sense, there were really no other indicators that supported his claim. Typically, in video games, NPCs¡ªor Non-Playable Characters¡ªwere scripted automatons that rinsed and recycled several dialogues. They gave players information and ?quests?, and were always the owners of various stores at which players could trade money for goods and services.

    Traditionally, NPCs were easily identified by a clear name floating above their heads, distinguished in a color separate from those of players. They were also programmed to walk or run on a scripted path or to perform a certain series of actions.

    All in all, with enough observation, NPCs could easily be distinguished by their repetitive and robotic behavior. However, assuming this was indeed inside the game, his virtual mother hadn¡¯t displayed any of those signs. There was no nametag floating above her head, and she had a level of autonomy that suggested each NPC in this world may be blessed with a tremendous degree of artificial intelligence. This added a godlike level of realism to the world.

    The front door let out a slight squeak as it opened, revealing Daisuke¡¯s mother entering with a companion. The stranger shed his hooded robe, revealing a stout figure dressed in regal attire reminiscent of medieval dignitaries.

    Daisuke froze in his tracks, his tiny arms hanging loosely at his sides upon realizing the sort of business his mother had been conducting all this time without his knowledge.

    The stranger¡ªthe pot-bellied bastard¡ªnarrowed his eyes and licked his lips in a perverse manner upon recognizing the child¡¯s distress. In response, Daisuke¡¯s mother swiftly pulled him into her frock as a means of shielding his gaze.

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    Yet, the damage was already done. Beyond the curtain separating the front door entrance and bedroom from the living room area, Daisuke had unraveled the mystery of his virtual mother¡¯s secret dealings.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sir. Bennington,¡± she uttered softly. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go and make yourself comfortable; I¡¯ll be with you in a moment.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s brows furrowed, and his tiny fingers clenched into fists. He hadn¡¯t been in a particularly good mood since he started teething, and this situation had only intensified his erratic emotions.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sweetheart,¡± his mother whispered apologetically. ¡°Mommy will play with you soon.

    Just be a good boy and wait here for me, okay? And remember not to go outside.¡±

    She knew the toddler might have only grasped one or two words from her speech, but the obedient look in his eyes broke her heart. She recognized the intelligence in her child, and the realization that he might fully understand the situation added another layer of sorrow to her grief.

    ***

    ¡°¡­Puh-Puppy,¡± Daisuke awkwardly echoed after his mother, gazing up at the lovely woman from the comfort of her lap.

    The presumed NPC clutched a timeworn children¡¯s book in her hands, teaching her son how to read. It had been a little over three months, and Daisuke had developed enough to babble, with some words surprisingly coherent for a toddler his age.

    He made an effort to downplay his abilities, but his aptitude for learning remained unusually high. It was a bittersweet revelation for his mother¡ªshe was thrilled to have given birth to a child prodigy, yet dejected that she couldn¡¯t provide him with the formal education he deserved.

    Even if, by some miracle, she could come into some money, her humble background wouldn¡¯t afford him the privilege to enroll in a decent school.

    Witnessing her distress, Daisuke pivoted his waist and embraced her tightly. Her cascading silver hair brushed against his cheek, and her cherished pair of hairpins, each adorned with a firefly, gleamed in her hair.

    ¡°¡­Love, mommy,¡± he uttered softly.

    ¡°Oh sweetie, I love you too,¡± she sniffled, pulling him in close, their bodies jerking from her gentle sobs.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes drifted open, his expression devoid of emotion as he listened to the turmoil of her beating heart. Tears pooled in his eyes as memories flickered in his mind like the pages of a sketchbook.

    Every day, he would curl his body into a ball, desperately trying to drown out his mother¡¯s responses from the bedroom. Her sacrifices were an unwelcome burden, born out of necessity rather than desire. The realization that he couldn¡¯t contribute to ease her struggles filled him with a profound sense of disgust.

    Like a broken dam, all of his anger and rage transformed into a tumultuous sea of frustration and self-loathing. He couldn¡¯t fathom what he had done to deserve the years of punishment he had endured, but it felt as though he had inadvertently dragged this woman into the chaotic storm along with him.

    As soon as Daisuke transitioned from breastfeeding to consuming physical food, his mother began working longer hours to ensure there was enough on the table for the both of them. It was inevitable now that she had another mouth to feed.

    After the day she wept in front of him, his mother resolved never to let it happen again. Life in the slums was a relentless struggle, where food and water were scarce commodities. Even with the meager earnings from her customers, making ends meet remained an uphill battle.

    More often than not, some of her clients would pay her little to nothing, and some wouldn¡¯t pay at all. But what could she do? She didn¡¯t have a brothel to back her, and she didn¡¯t have the strength to fight.

    Despite the hardships, she always bore a resilient smile, consistently assuring her son that everything would eventually be all right.

    Over time, as if the occasional lack of payment wasn¡¯t tormenting enough, she would emerge from her room with severe bruises on her face and body. Her line of work was already physically demanding¡ªnow, to make matters worse, she had to contend with the burden of dealing with injuries.

    But, despite the harsh working conditions, she refused to quit.

    ***

    The house was immersed in an eerie silence, disrupted only by the screeching of crickets on a particularly chilly night.

    Daisuke and his mother knelt at a beaten-up, knee-length table, a lone candle casting a feeble glow on the modest space. A meager loaf of bread, perilously close to its expiration date, occupied a plate before them.

    ¡°Now, go ahead and eat up,¡± his mother chimed with her customary smile, a robe carefully veiling her malnourished form.

    Daisuke looked down, his eyes quivering. With composed eagerness, he reached for the loaf and tore it into two halves, offering her a share with an outstretched arm.

    ¡°Food tastes better when you share it with someone,¡± he warmly remarked.

    The woman slowly shook her head in refusal, the candlelight barely reaching the deep circles under her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m fine... just a little tired,¡± she returned softly, pushing to her feet. ¡°I think I¡¯m going to turn in for the night. Eat up, then come to bed when you¡¯re ready.¡±

    Daisuke watched her leave, and the bread slipped from his trembling hand, landing on the lopsided table. As the bedroom door closed behind her, his mask crumpled, and tears spilled from his eyes.

    Goddammit! Goddammit! He cursed inwardly, crushing the stale pastry in his right hand. I¡¯m so pathetic! Isn¡¯t there anything I can do?

    Despite pondering his limited options, he was still too young and vulnerable to take on any kind of work, even if opportunities existed in the slums. Furthermore, his mother strictly forbade him from leaving the house, and the last thing he wanted was to upset her.

    Her warnings painted a bleak picture of a poverty-stricken world marred by crime¡ªrobberies, kidnappings, rape, murder. Despite the risks, he didn¡¯t want to be separated from her while she engaged in her line of work.

    It only took one unforeseen incident, one sociopath, and his entire world could crumble and fall apart in an instant. Whether she was a virtual guardian or not, this woman had bled, cried, and sacrificed for him.

    It was too late for his previous parents, but he was resolute in always being there for this woman. In this world, he would lead a life without regrets.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 95.8%

 CHAPTER 8: Change - A Leap of Faith

    Daisuke lay sprawled on the cold, wooden floor. The relentless rain and screeching crickets outside were deafening, but it wasn¡¯t enough to dull the violent maelstrom of thoughts raging in his mind.

    Dammit! I feel so useless! In my previous life, at least I had a job and my programming skills. But here, I feel like nothing more than a helpless spectator.

    All of a sudden, a faint scratching noise broke through his despair, stirring Daisuke from his stupor. He sat upright in time to witness a small kitten squeezing through a tiny hole at the bottom of the front door.

    As the kitten wriggled its way in¡ªsuccessfully escaping the frigid night¡¯s rain¡ªit paused to survey its surroundings before shaking off the water from its pitch-black coat. Had Daisuke not noticed the scratching, the kitten would have easily blended into the room¡¯s shadows without ever being detected.

    Advertising that he wasn¡¯t a threat, Daisuke held his ground and simply observed. To his surprise, the kitten cautiously approached him, sniffing his finger as if to determine his nature, before tentatively licking his hand.

    Daisuke beamed like a child at a carnival, his fingers itching to pet the creature. However, he resisted the urge, deciding it was best to give the kitten more time to trust him.

    Is it domesticated? he wondered internally as the kitten boldly hopped onto his thigh and curled up in his lap. Or maybe it¡¯s just too young to be wary? Whatever the case, I appreciate the company.

    He observed as the feline¡¯s olive-green eyes slowly closed, a warm smile spreading across his lips. ¡°I don¡¯t have any food to give you, but I hope you¡¯ll consider staying with me for a while.¡±

    ***

    Years drifted by, and Midnight became a regular visitor, arriving almost nightly while on the prowl for food. Though just a stray cat, incapable of speech or clear emotions, its presence was enough to ease Daisuke¡¯s loneliness and preserve his sanity.

    At some point, however, Midnight stopped coming. To an individual who was completely ignorant about the world beyond these walls, it was an omen of the world¡¯s unmistakable peril.

    Yet cats were known for their capricious nature; it was a wonder Midnight had lingered as long as it did. It was possible the cat had found a mate or had simply moved on to greener pastures. Uncertain of the reason, Daisuke chose not to burden himself with unnecessary grief. The recurring nightmares of being chased and brutalized by loan sharks were already an unbearable burden for him to carry.

    Despite the passage of years, Daisuke and his mother¡¯s living conditions only deteriorated. Perhaps it was because she was no longer as young and desirable, but the physical abuse she endured grew increasingly severe.

    By extension, Daisuke also felt more despair. But he knew his mother wouldn¡¯t entertain any plea for change unless he presented a feasible plan to consistently put food on the table.

    ¡°Open!¡± he muttered with evident frustration, his fingers gesturing urgently. ¡°Open Status Window!¡±

    How many times had he uttered those words now? Hundreds? Thousands? Since the moment he could articulate the command without just spraying spit everywhere, Daisuke had been desperately trying to interface with the System, but to no avail.

    Assuming this world was indeed a video game, being able to hunt monsters and perform quests would significantly alter their lives.

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    ¡°Then she wouldn¡¯t need to continue doing this anymore¡­¡±

    Suddenly, Daisuke¡¯s heart lurched as he heard his mother¡¯s scream piercing through the thin walls of the hut. His eyes widened, and his pulse raced at the unmistakable anguish in her voice.

    He knew all too well the dangers that lurked in his mother¡¯s line of work, and she would always implore him never to intervene, but her cry was so heart-wrenching this time that he couldn¡¯t ignore it.

    Without a second thought, Daisuke rushed forward and burst into the bedroom through the old door. The sight of his mother in distress fueled his determination to protect her.

    The man raised his arm, intent on striking her again, and Daisuke¡¯s young but fierce spirit ignited as he witnessed the man¡¯s cruelty.

    Channeling all his bravery, he quickly moved in behind the unsuspecting bastard and delivered a powerful kick to his sagging genitals, causing him to collapse to his knees in excruciating pain.

    ¡°Ah, fuck! You goddamn brat!¡± he roared.

    Seizing the moment, Daisuke hurried to his mother¡¯s side on the bed. She was shaken and wrapped in the tangled sheets, her face stained with blood and tears. But, before he could ensure her safety, the man regained his footing.

    Outraged, his face twisting into a ghastly mask, the man lashed out at the source of his turmoil, his rage uncontrollable. A strong right arm sent the child crashing into the floor, and then a barrage of heavy kicks and stomps assaulted his body without mercy.

    Daisuke¡¯s fingers convulsed with each attack, and his body writhed in pain, ragged breaths tearing from his lungs. His small frame was no match for the adult¡¯s brute force.

    As timid and hopeless as she was before, the mother¡¯s temperament completely changed the moment she spied her son in mortal danger.

    In a desperate act of self-sacrifice, she took a daring leap of courage. She lunged at the vile man, unleashing all her pent-up rage and frustration. With an instinctive ferocity, she sank her teeth into his ear, tearing off a piece in a wild attempt to protect her son and herself.

    ¡°You whoring bitch!¡±

    The bastard let out a scream of agony, shocked by the retaliation. The pain and alarm in his eyes were evident as he clutched his bleeding ear. Overwhelmed by the injury and the unexpected resistance, he clumsily grabbed his clothing and fled like a cornered dog.

    ¡°You¡¯ll both pay dearly for this!¡± He threatened one last time before he was out of sight and sound.

    Ignoring the ominous warning, Daisuke¡¯s mother rushed over to his still form, gathering him up in her arms while shedding tears and apologizing profusely.

    Daisuke had hoped the traumatic encounter would prompt a change in the woman¡¯s lifestyle, but it was wishful thinking. Like the Robinsons, she was as stubborn as a mule. As soon as the swelling on her face subsided and the bruises faded slightly, she returned to work.

    However, one significant change did occur because of the incident: Daisuke was no longer afraid of the unknown.

    After being beaten to an inch of his life and left with a death threat, he resolved to become more spontaneous and daring.

    Caution was a necessary virtue, but excessive caution could lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. If he wanted answers or change, he needed to bravely seize them.

    And so, for the first time since his birth, Daisuke made the conscious decision to step outside. His heart raced in his chest as he took a deep breath and pushed the wooden door open. A rush of hot air greeted his face, causing him to squint against the brightness of the sun¡¯s rays, which were stronger and harsher than anything he had experienced in the past seven years.

    He felt a surge of fear and curiosity as he waited for his eyes to adjust. And, when they did, he gasped.

    A bleak and barren landscape, full of dirt and trash, filled his gaze. The slums were a maze of shacks and crude dwellings made of hide, crammed together in a chaotic and crowded fashion.

    People dotted the streets. They were filthy and ragged, garbed in torn clothes and carrying bags or baskets loaded with what they had scavenged. The unhealthiest of them were begging, others were talking, arguing, or fighting, and most were sleeping the day away¡ªpreserving the little energy they had in the face of the broiling sun.

    Daisuke felt a pang of sadness and pity at the realization that this was his home. In the midst of this depressing community is where he had been living for the past few years. He wondered if there was anything better out there, or if this was all there was to this mysterious world.

    For a moment, he wondered if he was in hell, but then shook his head and tried to focus on his goal.

    First thing¡¯s first, he thought to himself. I need information. What¡¯s happened to me can wait. My priority right now is to figure out a way to become self-sufficient, for both mom and me.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 91.6%

 CHAPTER 9: Survival Tactics

    The world began to transform as Daisuke ventured further¡ªthe crude dwellings became less prevalent, and more structured houses towered in their place.

    Dirt roads gave way to cobblestones, and the bustling streets teemed with more well-dressed and coordinated individuals moving purposefully.

    ¡°Hey Mister,¡± Daisuke called out to one of the busy-bodied pedestrians with as much courtesy as he could muster. The man was clad in a mishmash of cheap leather and a few pieces of armor plating.

    It¡¯s either this is really inside the game, or a bunch of weirdos decided to host a convention right next to the slums, he mused to himself.

    ¡°Could you point me in the direction of the Hunters¡¯ Association?¡± he asked the man who looked him over assessingly, and Daisuke swallowed pass the hot lump in his throat.

    Showering was a rare privilege in the slums, but he had wrapped himself in a trimmed version of the hooded robe that the noble had left behind. This concealed the poor-as-hell rags he wore on his body, and the remnants of cologne on the robe should have masked his stench.

    Unconsciously, he combed his fingers through his hair, hoping he had properly driven away all the fleas that had taken up residence there.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± the man replied kindly. ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure where you¡¯re referring to. Try asking someone else.¡±

    Is this really a convention, then? Daisuke wondered, finding the deduction nonsensical. He approached another man decked out in far more impressive gear and posed the same question.

    ¡°Tha¡¯ hell you want?¡± this person¡¯s temperament was on the other side of the spectrum. ¡°Huh? The Hunters¡¯ Association? Is that even a thing? I think you mean the Adventurers¡¯ Guild.¡±

    Daisuke stood dumbfounded, his mouth agape. He spent seven years of his life pondering where he was, and it only took a few minutes outside his house to find the answer he so desperately sought. Words couldn¡¯t quite capture the misery he felt.

    ¡°Man, even NPCs know that. You must be a damn noob!¡± the man scoffed arrogantly.

    This arrogance and intimidation, the indiscriminate verbal abuse right off the bat. This guy¡¯s definitely a player¡ªno doubt about it.

    ¡°Dusthaven.¡±

    Dusthaven? Daisuke frowned questioningly. Is that the name of this place?

    ¡°This sorry excuse for a starter village doesn¡¯t have a guild,¡± the man sneered, his gaze piercing through Daisuke¡¯s youthful visage hidden under the hood. ¡°You¡¯ll have better luck in the next village. But let¡¯s face it, kid... I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re a player or NPC, and I really don¡¯t care. Either way, you look way too green to be guild material.¡±

    With a dismissive grunt, the man turned and sauntered off, leaving Daisuke to wrestle with the torrent of thoughts flooding his mind.

    I¡¯m certain now, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this is all inside the game. But that realization only raises more questions. ¡°Argh!¡± Daisuke ruffled his hair in frustration before taking a deep breath to collect himself and refocus on his priorities.

    Given his circumstances, he knew finding work or leading the life of a player wouldn¡¯t be possible. So, he resorted to what bottom feeders did best: swallowing his pride and rummaging around market stalls and garbage disposals after hours to find scraps.

    However, his situation wasn¡¯t unique. People, especially children from both human and Beastkin races, along with feral dogs and cats, were engaged in the same desperate pursuit, and the competition was fierce.

    When Daisuke returned home that night, he expected to find his worried mother waiting at the front door. He anticipated her relentless scolding until dawn, followed by a meager offering of stale bread. But there was no sign of her, no flicker of candlelight in the windows.

    Fearing the worst, Daisuke hurried inside and made a beeline for the bedroom. ¡°Mom?!¡± he called out in a panic, his breaths coming in rapid gasps.

    He burst into the room to find his mother lying motionless on the well-worn bed, bathed in moonlight. Without hesitation, he rushed to her side, though there was no need to check her pulse; her labored breathing and drenched body told him all he needed to know.

    Placing his hand gently on her forehead, Daisuke¡¯s heart sank. ¡°Oh no, you¡¯re burning up! We need to bring that fever down right away.¡±

    Thankfully, it had rained just the night before. In the absence of any convenient water supply systems, much like the rest of the village, they had developed a habit of collecting rainwater in buckets for all their essential needs: cooking, drinking, and bathing.

    Daisuke hurried outside to fetch a bucket with the cool rainwater. He dipped a clean towel into the liquid, carefully wringing out the excess before folding it neatly across her forehead.

    With another damp cloth, he tenderly dabbed at her neck and arms, hoping to provide some relief from the heat and wipe away the sweat.

    ¡°...Haxks,¡± she whispered weakly, managing a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯m so... glad you¡¯re okay.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t strain yourself,¡± Daisuke urged softly. ¡°Just focus on getting better.¡±

    He bit his lower lip as he realized she had already drifted back to sleep. Instead of scolding him for leaving the safety of their home, she was simply relieved he had returned unharmed.

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    Yet, in that fleeting moment, Daisuke understood another unspoken message: with his mother bedridden, the responsibility now fell squarely on his shoulders to become the temporary breadwinner, or they would both face inevitable peril together.

    Daisuke eyed his sack of hard-earned food scraps with a hint of bitterness. Between constantly being physically exhausted and malnourished, his mother¡¯s health had taken a turn for the worse. Feeding her unsanitary foods would only deteriorate her compromised immune system even further.

    Sinking to his knees beside her bed, Daisuke gently cradled his mother¡¯s hand against his face. Despite his outward appearance as a seven-year-old, he carried the weight of an adult inside.

    I can¡¯t keep going like this, he resolved within himself. I need to get my ass in gear! I need to step up and take charge!

    ***

    In a forgotten corner of the slums, a lone gingko tree stood tall between two abandoned buildings. Its branches, adorned with golden leaves, provided a modest canopy that filtered the sunlight into soft, dappled patterns on the ground below.

    Around the tree, children gathered, making the most of their bleak surroundings. Some perched on the lower branches, while others found seats on piles of garbage or leaned against the worn walls of the buildings.

    Daisuke observed them quietly, feeling a sense of connection to their shared struggle in this neglected corner of the world. Rather than engaging in the cutthroat competition for scraps like the other children in the slums, Daisuke took a different approach. With the wisdom of his adult mind, he began forming a coalition among the children, using his eloquence to persuade those he could reach.

    ¡°Fighting amongst ourselves,¡± he declared, his voice ringing out from behind a shoddy, makeshift podium, ¡°will only lead to more suffering. But together, united, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone.¡±

    The children observed the silver-haired boy, their expressions ranging from skepticism to curiosity as his words enveloped them. Gathered in a group of little over a dozen, they included four particularly notable individuals: a Wolfkin boy exuding an aura of overconfidence; an older girl with rabbit ears; a younger human girl clinging to a stuffed bear; and a plump boy of the same race.

    It¡¯s pretty surprising he can be packing so much weight while living in the slums, Daisuke thought inwardly. He¡¯s¡­ not a cannibal, is he?

    ¡°Hey, fatso,¡± the Wolfkin called with a scathing grin. ¡°How can you look like that when everyone else here is all skin ¡®n bones? What¡¯ve you been eating?¡±

    Looks like I wasn¡¯t the only one with that chain of thought, Daisuke pondered with an awkward smile. Then he cleared his throat, breaking up their banter.

    ¡°To ease the tension,¡± he suggested, ¡°how about we break the ice by introducing ourselves and sharing a bit about our aspirations. I¡¯ll start, then we can go around the group.¡±

    In response, the Wolfkin clicked his tongue and crossed his arms with an unfriendly scowl. Daisuke laughed awkwardly, suppressing a wicked urge, but he took a calming breath and prepped a pleasant mask.

    ¡°I¡¯m Haxks, a seven-year-old who¡¯s spent my whole life here in the slums with my mother. My mission is to revitalize our community, to lift everyone up so we can all thrive and lead better lives.¡±

    The Wolfkin rolled his eyes mockingly while the other children listened intently, evidently captivated by the conviction in the words.

    ¡°My name is Mia,¡± the bunny-eared girl introduced in a velvety tone. ¡°I¡¯m ten years old, and my lifelong dream is to become an apothecary so that I can help those in need.¡±

    As all eyes turned to the little girl with pigtails, she clutched her bear tighter and buried her face in Mia¡¯s clothes.

    ¡°This is April and Mr. Honeykins,¡± Mia introduced with a warm smile, gently stroking the girl¡¯s hair. ¡°She says she wants to become my assistant when I become an apothecary.¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯m Ribbit,¡± stammered the stubby human boy, his gaze shyly fixed on his toes. ¡°I¡¯m eight years old and I love food. My dream is to become a chef so that I can prepare delicious meals for everyone.¡±

    ¡°I think you meant all for yourself,¡± accused the Wolfkin with a sly grin. ¡°Anyway, as you all know, I¡¯m Brek, nine years old. My dream is to become an adventurer and journey across the world.¡±

    At the end of the introductions, Daisuke descended from the podium, his gaze sweeping across the gathered faces to which he could now assign names. ¡°I understand that some of you may have doubts about my proposal,¡± he began, his tone earnest. ¡°Truth be told, I have my own reservations as well. But I truly believe this is a necessary evil to bring about positive change in our community.¡±

    ¡°I agree,¡± Mia chimed in sweetly, her voice carrying an aura of unbiased affection. ¡°Personally, I don¡¯t think we even need to consider this as a long-term solution; we could pool our earnings and invest in agriculture. That way, we wouldn¡¯t need to worry about food.¡±

    Exchanging hopeful glances, the children nodded in unison, their heads bobbing up and down like synchronized metronomes as whispers of agreement rippled through the group.

    ¡°That¡¯s a genius idea,¡± Brek exclaimed with a mischievous grin, shooting Ribbit a teasing glance. ¡°Working the fields would totally whip some people into shape¡ªbecause let¡¯s face it, they could definitely use the workout!¡±

    A chorus of laughter erupted from the children, and Ribbit blushed furiously. ¡°¡­And you,¡± he countered with an unimpressive scowl. ¡°Instead of a horse, you can be the cart-pulling dog!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Brek snapped, his eyes narrowing in disbelief as some of his peers chuckled. ¡°What¡¯s that, you fatty?¡±

    Mia ignored the back-and-forth banter between the two boys and knelt in front of April. The little girl¡¯s cute pigtails framed her round face, and her shy eyes peeked out from under the veil of her bangs.

    With a smile, Mia gently caressed the stuffed animal¡¯s head, her voice brimming with kindness as she spoke, ¡°Maybe we can find some friends for Mr. Honeykins to play with, if things go well. Wouldn¡¯t that be nice?¡±

    ¡°H-Hn!¡± the toddler nodded eagerly, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she embraced her cherished toy.

    Daisuke¡¯s smile widened as he observed the tender scene unfolding before him. Amidst the playful banter between Ribbit and Brek, a palpable sense of camaraderie began to blossom among the other children.

    The air, once heavy with tension and uncertainty, was now filled with laughter and shared moments of connection. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing the warmth and companionship that had always been there, waiting to be embraced.

    PIT-PAT.

    Daisuke raised his hand, palm up, as a droplet of rain tapped his head. Tilting his head back, he observed the overcast sky. The sun, just moments ago peeking through the clouds, was now swallowed up entirely.

    To a child in Dusthaven, rain was harmless, even fun, but to an orphan in the slums, it was a force to be feared. Without family or guardians, illness could spell death for these children. While others might see a fever as a mere inconvenience, for an abandoned child, it could be fatal.

    As the rain intensified into an unrelenting downpour, the children scurried into an old abandoned wagon wedged against the building¡¯s wall. Its roof, badly mended with hay and trash, barely held off the leaks.

    Outside, the wind gusted, and inside, the children huddled together, shivering from the cold. Daisuke could hear their stomachs grumbling and the soft cries of those who couldn¡¯t endure much longer. Their faces were etched with grief and suffering, wearing a sorrowful mask no child should bear.

    Unbeknownst to him, Daisuke began to see these people as more than just strings of data. They were real human beings, like him, craving warmth and comfort, harboring dreams and aspirations, and experiencing hurt and loneliness. How then, were these children any different from real human beings?

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 87.4%

 CHAPTER 10: Mission Start!

    To foster a strong bond among the children, Daisuke organized an entire day dedicated to a competitive and physically demanding game of tag.

    This not only provided them with a fun activity but also allowed Daisuke to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each individual, enabling them to play their upcoming roles effectively.

    Following the game, Daisuke reiterated the nature of their mission, emphasizing the importance of communication, trust, and patience. He shared psychological strategies to accomplish their tasks and outlined contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances.

    With a disapproving frown, Daisuke glanced down at his feeble hands. Having spent years confined to the house, he realized his body was relatively frail.

    To address this, he committed himself to rigorous training. The motivation to improve was fueled by the knowledge that both the children and his mother depended on him, making it easy for him to stay determined.

    The children needed to build up their stamina, too. But Daisuke knew it would be difficult to keep them motivated, especially on empty stomachs.

    So, instead of sticking to basic exercises, he got creative. Alongside playing tag, he used random junk lying around to set up games like dodgeball, rugby, soccer, and other physical activities. This approach helped them develop their strength and endurance in a more engaging way.

    After several weeks of dedicated training and preparation, they finally stood ready for their mission.

    ***

    ¡°Kyaaa~¡± a young lady let out an endearing cry as she stumbled and fell, all the apparel inside her bag spilling out onto the busy street.

    Attractively garbed in an off-the-shoulder frock, she presented a figure that drew attention, with her well-endowed bosom practically spilling out for all to see.

    This spectacle naturally captured the gaze of nearby male stall owners. One of them, like a bullet, hastily surged forward, outpacing the others. Ignoring their envious death-glares, the man gallantly reached out to the damsel in distress.

    ¡°Miss, are you hurt?¡± he asked in a velvety tone, flashing her a pair of pearly whites. ¡°Here, let me help you.¡±

    ¡°Oh my,¡± the woman replied with a blush, her eyes coy. ¡°Such chivalry.¡±

    The shopkeeper felt his heart skip a beat, his eyes forming hearts as the lady averted her eyes sheepishly at the import of his helping hand. Every subtle movement she made did interesting things to her breasts, and this captured the attention of all the males, including him.

    Amidst the distraction, the slum kids swiftly infiltrated with their sacks, deftly stuffing them full of fruits and vegetables. Operating in pairs, one loaded up while the other kept watch on the unsuspecting shopkeepers. Once their bags reached full capacity, the kids made a hasty retreat, with the exception of one.

    ¡°Look at that pervy bastard,¡± Brek scoffed, disdain evident in his tone. ¡°He doesn¡¯t deserve to have anything left!¡±

    The stubborn Wolfkin had already taken far more than his sack could contain. Ignoring his scout¡¯s urgent pleas to retreat, he greedily continued stuffing food into his mouth and clothes, determined to bleed the shopkeeper dry. Lost in his avarice, he failed to notice the shopkeeper approaching.

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    ¡°You thieving brat!¡± the man bellowed in a fiery rage, a mighty kick sending the young bandit slamming into the hard ground.

    The Wolfkin gasped, the unsuspecting assault knocking the wind from his lungs. Before he could breathe, the man¡¯s foot descended onto his back, once, twice, delivering blow after merciless blow despite the child¡¯s pained screams.

    ¡°You worthless goddamn leeches contribute nothing to society,¡± the man spat acidly as he continued his rampage. ¡°You and all your deadbeat race deserve to fucking¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish his sentence, an apple shattered against his face, forcing him to stagger backward and land unceremoniously on his rump. At that moment, the other shopkeepers, now aware of the robbery, began scrambling onto the scene.

    ¡°Grab him and get out of here!¡± Daisuke commanded the scout, his voice ringing with authority as he continued to hurl apples at the incoming horde.

    ¡°What about you? There¡¯s too many of them!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me,¡± reassured Daisuke. ¡°I have a better chance of getting away if I¡¯m alone.¡±

    A cleverly thrown banana had a group of men crashing to the ground in a clumsy heap.

    CRUNCH! PTOOI!

    Daisuke took a large bite out of an apple, then spat it out to the side in disgust. ¡°Is this what you¡¯re selling to people?¡± he exclaimed. ¡°You should all be ashamed of yourselves!¡±

    ¡°This cheeky brat!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll wish you were never born when I get my hands on you!¡±

    These and a flurry of other menacing remarks came hurling towards Daisuke, and the shopkeepers themselves quickly followed. But that¡¯s exactly what he wanted¡ªfor them to focus on him instead of the others.

    Daisuke left the stall behind and took to the streets of the village. His quick, agile footsteps echoed on the cobblestone path, his breath coming in rapid bursts as he weaved through the bustling crowd.

    He glanced back, and sure enough, the livid shopkeepers were hot on his tail, angrily shouting and waving their fists. He smirked and turned a corner, heading for the alleyways.

    He jumped over a pile of garbage and slid under a clothesline. His lithe form navigated the twists and turns with remarkable precision. He reached a low wall, and without breaking his momentum, sprang onto it, using it as a platform to propel himself higher

    Mid-air, he executed a breathtaking flip, his form sleek against the backdrop of the village¡¯s quaint architecture. As his feet met the wall¡¯s surface again, he launched himself towards a nearby building, scaling it with the ease of a seasoned acrobat.

    He reached the edge of the roof and saw a wooden beam connecting it to another building. He ran across it and kicked it down, sending it crashing onto the street below. He heard some screams and curses as some of the shopkeepers were hit by the falling debris.

    He landed on the other roof and continued his escape. He saw a group of kids playing with a ball and waved at them. They recognized him and cheered him on. They threw him their ball and he caught it with one hand. He threw it back at them and winked.

    He reached another edge and saw a large haystack on the ground. He jumped off the roof and landed on it, cushioning his fall. He rolled off the haystack and ran into a narrow alley leading to the slums.

    Following a whistle, which was evidently some form of signal, a bunch of kids appeared on either side of the roof overhead and began bombarding the few remaining pursuers with garbage and debris.

    Daisuke, at the same time, swung from rusted pipes, leaped over barrels, and somersaulted over mounds of garbage, using every obstacle to his advantage. He quickly disappeared into the maze-like slums, leaving the shopkeepers disoriented.

    Their yells of frustration echoed in the confined space, but Daisuke knew he was safe. The shopkeepers wouldn¡¯t dare follow him into the dark and dirty alleys, where thieves, beggars, and outcasts lived.

    And, following a sigh of relief, he blended in with the degenerates and made his way to the hideout.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 87.4%

    <hr>

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 CHAPTER 11: The Aftermath

    Daisuke was slipping the impressively endowed woman a tip and some fruit when a group of kids arrived on the scene.

    Most of the people living in the slums had one or two side hustles¡ªthis woman¡¯s main gig was to receive old clothes from dignitaries, mend them as best as she could, and sell them for cheap in the slums.

    Today, she played the role of an exceptional distraction¡ªa lovely lady in distress. After receiving her payment for the job, she quietly left with a sly smile.

    ¡°Haxks!¡± a small boy approached exuberantly. ¡°Did we do good today?¡±

    ¡°You did great!¡± Daisuke replied, tousling his hair. Then he passed a glance over all the other kids whose eyes glittered eagerly. ¡°You all did. Now head on over to Casper; he¡¯ll distribute food for you and your family.¡±

    They cheered excitedly and scampered over to collect their reward for dumping trash on the shopkeepers. Daisuke, at the same time, started making his way into a crude building.

    This was just one of many successful raids over the past four years. Daisuke and the others had studied the layout of the village, and organized escape routes prepped with obstacles leading into the slums.

    In moments of peril like today¡¯s, they frequently relied on the assistance of the children to facilitate their escape, promising generous rewards in return.

    These rewards were not limited to the children but extended to their families as well, provided they agreed to actively participate in agricultural endeavors.

    While the farming initiatives were designed for the families¡¯ own benefit, the people of the slums had lost their sense of purpose and needed incentives to engage in productive activities.

    Recognizing this pressing need, Daisuke introduced this program to encourage a renewed sense of industry and purpose among the community.

    The village lord turned a blind eye to the plight of the slums; since its residents neither worked nor paid taxes, they were deemed unworthy of any form of aid.

    However, Daisuke had vision: he believed that if the rampant stealing became a significant enough issue, it would compel the lord to intervene. And once the lord observed the residents engaging in agriculture and striving for change, Daisuke hoped that he would finally extend a helping hand.

    At least, that¡¯s how he envisioned it unfolding.

    ¡°How is he?¡±

    Mia, the bunny-eared girl who was busy wrapping gauze around Brek¡¯s head, turned to Daisuke as he spoke. ¡°Luckily, he doesn¡¯t have any broken bones,¡± she reassured, her tone calm and comforting. ¡°Just a bit sore and a few bruises here and there.¡±

    Daisuke returned her smile, but his expression hardened as he looked at his injured comrade. ¡°I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t need to point out where you went wrong?¡±

    The Wolfkin clicked his tongue, his expression filled with chagrin.

    ¡°Your greed put both you and your scout at risk,¡± Daisuke remarked, his tone firm but not unkind. ¡°Please try to have a bit more self-control; you may not be as lucky next time.¡±

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    The core team watched in silence, observing the evolution of Daisuke and Brek¡¯s relationship over the years. What had once been a rickety friendship had gradually eroded into full-on rivalry, with Brek and a few others viewing Daisuke¡¯s methods as overly cautious and soft.

    In Brek¡¯s eyes, he believed that assuming the role of leader would genuinely uplift the people in the slums. By adopting a more assertive approach¡ªventuring out on runs more frequently and seizing greater resources¡ªthey could accelerate the improvement of the slums far beyond Daisuke¡¯s more measured approach.

    ¡°You guys should get some rest and lay low for a while,¡± Daisuke stated, turning to leave. ¡°I¡¯ll be heading home for today.¡±

    ***

    Candlelight glowed on the worn pine walls of a small house. The shadows flickered like apparitions of evil. The soft scent of incense hung in the air, and a man knelt beside a futon, his eyes fixed on the motionless figure beneath a white blanket¡ªhis departed wife. His eyes were red from crying, his face etched with sorrow.

    He was a simple merchant, saving every coin for his wife¡¯s medical needs. But the constant theft by the slum kids chipped away at his earnings. Unable to provide the necessary care, his wife¡¯s health declined, and eventually, she slipped away.

    The man¡¯s heart ached with the weight of his loss, and his grief transformed into something else¡ªa burning desire for vengeance.

    In the dimly lit room, his fingers clenched into fists and eyes became bloodshot, anger fueling his resolve. He stared at the empty space beside him, imagining his wife¡¯s presence, and vowed to himself that he would make those who had robbed them of their time together pay for their actions.

    ***

    Daisuke tousled his hair in frustration as he contemplated the unpleasant atmosphere between him and a handful of the troop. He also considered Brek¡¯s ambitions with a scathing expression.

    Increasing the frequency of thefts would diminish their element of surprise and heighten the risk of getting caught. Moreover, seizing larger quantities would leave insufficient goods for sale, depriving shopkeepers of food for themselves and their families.

    Such actions would spark a level of outrage and animosity from the village folk that they¡¯ve never seen before. Forget angering the Lord; it would incite the entire village to form a mob and descend upon the slums with the intent to massacre everyone.

    Daisuke knew Brek was only looking out for the poverty-stricken slum folk, but he was also being shortsighted. And that recklessness could possibly cause everything they¡¯ve built up over the past few years to come crashing down.

    Brek was also eager to introduce pickpocketing into their repertoire, but Daisuke was strongly against it. Right across the board, stealing was wrong, but robbing people of their coin felt like it carried a heavier moral weight compared to taking food.

    From a pragmatic perspective, attempting to rob certain individuals, such as nobles and players, could potentially lead to disastrous consequences.

    The shopkeepers were fairly manageable, but players could murder NPCs given the right circumstances, and nobles could hire assassins or even players to do the same.

    Daisuke smiled wistfully, returning the gestures of gratitude from the people in the slums who were thankful for all he was doing.

    He desperately needed money, too. As a matter of fact, he was saving up for his mother¡¯s medical expenses by doing odd jobs around the village. But he had never once considered stealing money, and that would never change.

    As he thought about his mother¡¯s health that hadn¡¯t particularly improved at all over the years, Daisuke couldn¡¯t help but wonder about her mysterious background.

    Eleven years had passed and he hardly knew anything about his virtual mother¡ªany less and she would practically be a stranger to him. He couldn¡¯t begin to understand why she was so secretive about her past, but he respected her decision and didn¡¯t try to pry.

    As for his father, considering the nature of her job, it wasn¡¯t difficult to piece together the likely story. He was also certain that she was fleeing from something or someone, making her somewhat of a fugitive. However, he respected her privacy and refrained from probing into that aspect of her past, as well.

    His sole curiosity centered on one simple question: her name. That was all he wanted to know.

    Daisuke struggled to define his emotions toward the reserved woman. She didn¡¯t fit neatly into the role of a mother, yet she was more than just a friend. It was a complex relationship, but he knew deep down that he would be devastated if anything were to ever happen to¡ª

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 79%

 CHAPTER 12: Starfrost

    Daisuke suddenly stopped in his tracks.

    From where he stood, he noted that his house was shrouded in darkness, and to make the scene even more ominous, he spied a flicker of movement¡ªa swift shadow retreating from the front entrance of the house.

    Daisuke dropped his sack. The fruits and vegetables inside scattered on the ground. His stomach twisted with dread as he bolted toward the house and charged into the bedroom.

    Moonlight suffused the cold chamber from the open window. His mother was on the bed, her features bathed in its soft light. And she was breathing.

    Still very concerned for her well-being, he hurried to her side, his footsteps quick and anxious. Suddenly a soft, telltale crunch echoed under his shoe, causing him to halt. Bending down, he inspected the source of the sound, revealing a small, rectangular vial with a rounded bottom. A hint of purple liquid clung to the interior, marking its ominous nature¡ªa color often associated with poison.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s heart fell into a state of wild palpitations, panic gripping him as he turned his attention back to his mother. Her cheeks were flushed and her breaths, labored.

    Gently, he reached out, brushing her forehead to gauge her fever. Her skin was warm to the touch, and unyielding lines of worry creased his forehead at that realization.

    She¡¯s burning up! he thought, a sense of helplessness gnawing at him. ¡°Hang in there! I¡¯ll fetch some water!¡±

    Before he could make a move, his mother¡¯s frail hand gripped his, her fingers weakly coiling around his wrist.

    Her voice, though faint, carried a sense of urgency as she panted, ¡°It¡¯s too late.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s heart sank at her words. He saw the struggle in her eyes, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon them both.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have much time left,¡± she whispered, her voice a fragile thread. ¡°¡­Come closer.¡±

    In that moment, time seemed to stand still, and Daisuke bit his lip in anguish. In video games, he always made it his point of duty to have ?antidotes? and other ?potions? stocked in his ?inventory?. But, in this world, the power of a player had somehow eluded him.

    Why? Why was this happening, again?

    Daisuke held his mother¡¯s hand, his fingers intertwining with hers as they faced an inevitable farewell, the reality of the situation hanging heavy in the air.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ so sorry¡­ for being so stubborn and stuck in my ways,¡± she whispered repentantly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I couldn¡¯t¡­ give you the life you deserved.¡±

    Daisuke frowned with a dejected smile. ¡°Why are you speaking in the past tense? I¡¯ll definitely figure something out; we¡¯ll make it past this and work together to turn our lives around.¡±

    The woman gave a wanly smile. ¡°Is there anything¡­ you would like to ask me?¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened. He was taken by surprise by the unexpected question, but he knew exactly what to say. ¡°¡­What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Evandria¡­ Evandria Starfrost,¡± she confessed with a light titter, and then a cough.

    ¡°Mom!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m fine,¡± she managed, her voice weak. ¡°But I thought¡­ you would ask a more personal question. Though¡­ I suppose it¡¯s better if my past¡­ fades away along with me. Delving into it¡­ would only cause more harm than good.¡±

    Letting go of his wrist, she gently placed her hand atop his, her eyes softening with affection. Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in contrast, because standing on the other side of the bed now¡ªin what looked like a surreal projection¡ªwas his biological mother and father. They held each other¡¯s hands, their expressions filled with empathy and compassion.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    As Evandria spoke, Daisuke felt the heartfelt words resonate as if they were directed from his real-world parents. It wasn¡¯t merely a figment of his imagination; they were undeniably real.

    ¡°Thank you for being our son,¡± Evandria¡¯s voice echoed in a soothing and ethereal tone. ¡°Thank you for making us the happiest parents in the world. We¡¯re so very proud of who you¡¯ve become. Your world may seem bleak right now, but we know you will eventually find serenity.

    Don¡¯t blame yourself for what¡¯s happened, and for what¡¯s to come; simply persevere. Keep forging ahead, and never lose hope. In time, you will find a place where you truly belong.¡±

    Evandria weakly cupped the side of his face, her long silver hair kissed by moonlight. Daisuke found himself drawn into her deep blue eyes, lost in their depths.

    ¡°We love you so much,¡± she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. ¡°We hope that... in time, you will find a love that burns just as brightly and true as ours did for you.¡±

    Evandria smiled softly, then closed her eyes and took a gentle, labored breath, her lips parting slightly to sing a familiar melody.

    In shadows deep where dreams may weep,

    A cradle of stars, a soul to keep.

    Through sorrows vast, the moonlight cast,

    Whispers soft, a memory¡¯s grasp.

    Hush, my child, the night is kind,

    Embrace the echoes left behind.

    Stars dance in skies, where teardrops lie,

    A lullaby for a soul to fly.

    La-La-La, La-La-La¡­

    ¡°You will¡­ always be my little firefly.¡±

    With that final, heart-wrenching utterance, Evandria¡¯s hand slipped away and the gentle glow of the apparitions waned into obscurity. The room, once filled with the presence of those he loved, suddenly turned eerily silent.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes quivered, his very core trembling under the weight of the moment, his breath uneven, teetering on the edge of hyperventilation.

    The somber darkness of the bedroom encased him like a shroud. And then, in the midst of his grief, he released a howl that echoed through the night¡ªa lamentation woven from the threads of sorrow, anguish that reached beyond the confines of his own pain and into the very soul of the world.

    ***

    Several days had passed since Daisuke had been away mourning his mother¡¯s passing, and the troop, Brek in particular, grew increasingly impatient for their leader¡¯s return to organize another heist.

    They were all gathered by the hideout, sitting around the remnants of a large bonfire.

    ¡°At this rate, we might have to resort to scavenging for food at the garbage dump again,¡± someone proposed, the mere idea leaving a sour taste in their mouth.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Ehh~? Do we really have to start doing that again?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there anything we can do?¡±

    ¡°Kinda sucks switching from fresh fruits back to rotten ones.¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t have to,¡± Brek declared firmly, capturing everyone¡¯s curious gaze. ¡°We¡¯ll do a food run on our own.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°What? But we¡¯ve never gone on a food run without Big Bro before!¡±

    ¡°A-Are we going to be okay?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care, count me in. Anything¡¯s better than going back to garbage!¡±

    ¡°I... I don¡¯t know.¡±

    Brek frowned, his gaze falling to his clenched fist. ¡°A few years ago, if I had more food, my little sister wouldn¡¯t have starved to death,¡± he murmured, his voice tinged with sorrow and determination. ¡°I won¡¯t let that happen to any of my friends.¡±

    ¡°Brek!¡± Mia interjected, trying to cool the fire his words had evoked. ¡°We¡¯ve never gone on a run without Haxks before. Until he gets back, we could ask the farmers to spare us some food; they¡¯ve just started their harvest.¡±

    ¡°Mia¡¯s right; they owe us big time!¡±

    ¡°We provided them with the seeds for their crops, after all.¡±

    There was an obvious void between those who supported Daisuke and those who sided with Brek. But the Wolfkin didn¡¯t back down.

    ¡°Taking from the farmers isn¡¯t enough,¡± he retorted. ¡°What about everyone else?¡±

    Mia frowned. ¡°You seem to forget that our goal is to teach the people of the slums about responsibility and taking initiative,¡± she countered firmly. ¡°We¡¯re not here to spoil them.¡±

    ¡°But until that lesson is learned,¡± Brek retaliated. ¡°We can¡¯t just let them starve now, can we?¡±

    ¡°The slum folk are more resilient than you give them credit for; they¡¯ve been making ends meet long before we started helping them. Besides, my point is that going on a run without Haxks is dangerous.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s right, Brek!¡± another voice chimed in. ¡°Haxks is the leader for a reason¡ªhe¡¯s the one with the brains that made all this possible!¡±

    ¡°Argh! Haxks! Haxks! Haxks!¡± Brek pushed to his feet in a rage. ¡°Can¡¯t you idiots think on your own? Have you ever stopped to think that he may not actually come back? His mom just friggin¡¯ died!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°And what if he ever gets caught on a run?¡± Brek added, his voice tinged with urgency. ¡°Do we just roll over and die? We have to learn to take charge on our own if that ever happens!¡±

    Mia looked around in dismay. It was clear that Brek¡¯s words had struck a chord; the majority of the troop had rallied around him, eager to follow his lead. Only the scouts who felt the most pressured on the food runs refused to take part.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 74.8%

 CHAPTER 13: A Widowerâ€™s Retribution

    From the concealing shade of a nearby alley, the troop cautiously observed the street stalls lining both sides of the road.

    Stall owners energetically advertised their wares with exaggerated sales pitches, while customers bargained for deals. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

    ¡°Hey, Brek,¡± one of the kids started, sounding uncertain. ¡°You sure we¡¯re gonna be all right without any scouts?¡±

    The concern was evident on the faces of the other kids as well. Ribbit couldn¡¯t hold in his nervous farts.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine,¡± the Wolfkin reassured with a confident grin, elbowing Ribbit in the gut. ¡°We¡¯ve been outsmarting these old geezers for years now; today¡¯s gonna be a breeze, just like always.¡±

    Oh. Right on cue, he thought with satisfaction as he noted a small girl in the distance clutching a stuffed bear. She was making her way toward the stalls, garbed in her finest¡ªa frilly dress courtesy of the generously endowed woman.

    As Brek watched her, a memory bubbled up in his mind.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to help Haxks?¡± he asked April with a sly smile. ¡°By doing this, we can feed many people while he¡¯s away. It¡¯s like we¡¯re doing him a favor.¡±

    ¡°Will it really make Big Brother happy?¡±

    ¡°I know it will.¡±

    April puffed up her cheeks in contemplation, then she nodded.

    April exuded the grace of a noble¡¯s daughter, her presence akin to that of a lost child with a promising reward awaiting her rescuer.

    Yet, before any vendor could succumb to the tempting bait, the unfolding scene took an unexpected turn as the girl was abruptly snatched up by a mysterious figure draped in a hooded cloak.

    ¡°Nooo! Let me go! Let me go!¡± April cried out desperately.

    ¡°Stop squirming, you little brat!¡± the man barked, his voice dripping with hostility.

    Brek bristled at the sight, his eyes wide with alarm.

    ¡°Wha? What¡¯s going on¡ªwho¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°April¡¯s in trouble!¡±

    ¡°We gotta do something!¡±

    What Brek and the others didn¡¯t know was that Daisuke¡¯s worst fears had materialized, despite their efforts to revitalize the slums without resorting to further theft or risky activities like pickpocketing.

    The troop¡¯s actions to uplift the slums had inadvertently resulted in the death of a shopkeeper¡¯s wife. Now, consumed by grief and a thirst for vengeance, the widowed man devised a two-part plan. Firstly, he intended to poison all the goods at his stand, as a precaution in case the second part of his plan failed and the children managed to escape with the food.

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    In a world where resources were scarce, it was unfathomable that someone would go to such extreme lengths. However, for the bereaved husband who had lost his entire world with the death of his wife, there was nothing left to lose.

    The second plan involved all the shopkeepers, united in their quest for vengeance. They pooled their coin to finance the travel expenses of slave merchants, who were tasked with the primary objective of capturing the leader of the troop. Without his capture, they wouldn¡¯t receive their payment.

    With unwavering resolve, the merchants tracked Brek and the others from the moment they left the slums, aware that April was among them. Now, armed with the perfect bargaining chip, they had the means to flush out the rest of the group.

    ¡°Dammit, Brek, what do we do?¡±

    ¡°Th-That jerk has April¡­ we have to go rescue her!¡±

    ¡°Head back to the slums,¡± Brek demanded calmly. ¡°Let the others know what¡¯s happening and have them leave the hideout.¡±

    ¡°Wait, what? Are you nuts?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t let you do this alone!¡±

    WHAM!

    Brek silenced him with a swift knuckle sandwich and then started kicking each of them¡ªjust enough to drive them away. Like Daisuke, he would throw himself into the fray without jeopardizing the safety of the others.

    ¡°Stop talking back to me and get going already!¡± he barked.

    Before they could voice their complaints any further, Brek took off from the cover of the alley and launched himself at the hooded bastard.

    ¡°Let her go, you ugly creep!¡±

    Before his pointed claws could find their mark, a group of men emerged from their hiding spots and swiftly subdued him, as if he were a wild animal.

    No matter how much he struggled and writhed, Brek couldn¡¯t break free. Instead, he winced in agony as one of the men landed a brutal punch to his stomach, causing him to double over in pain.

    ¡°Cough-Cough!¡±

    Gasping for air, Brek struggled to lift his head, saliva dribbling from his mouth. He had half-expected some of the nearby adults to intervene, but the color drained from his face as he caught the contemptuous, almost demonic glares of the shopkeepers. It was then, in that chilling moment, that he fully grasped the gravity of the situation.

    ¡°Should we break one of his legs so he doesn¡¯t try to escape?¡± asked one of the hooded men without an ounce of hesitation, obviously relishing the thought.

    Brek blanched.

    ¡°Just break both of them,¡± another man suggested with a dark smirk. ¡°But you¡¯ll be the one hauling him around when you do.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± the third man interjected authoritatively. ¡°Damaged goods mean less profit. But I suppose I¡¯ll consider it if he doesn¡¯t want to cooperate.¡±

    They all chuckled maliciously.

    ¡°You heard the man,¡± the one who landed the blow earlier barked. ¡°Take us to the others or you and the girl will live to regret it.¡±

    Brek¡¯s eyes trembled as the four men loomed over him like a dark cloud.

    ***

    The hideout was completely deserted, and the Slave Traders weren¡¯t enthused. A bruising slap sent Brek slamming into the ground, and he spat the blood from his mouth with a sly grin. He wished he could physically get them back for the abuse he¡¯d endured, but this was the best he could do.

    ¡°You little shit!¡± spat one of the men. ¡°What¡¯re you trying to pull, huh?!¡±

    His rage subsided, however, as he observed the numerous icy stares that now turned their way in response to the act of child abuse. The residents of the slums were clearly displeased, their collective disapproval sending a shiver down the spines of the four men.

    The only thing preventing them from facing a grim and terrible fate seemed to be the swords hanging from their hips. Yet, if they dared to push their luck any further, even those weapons wouldn¡¯t serve as a sufficient deterrent for long.

    In the face of this adversity, the leader among the four men advanced with an ominous aura, resembling a malevolent demon seeking to strike a sinister bargain. His features twisted into a sinister grimace as he drew unnervingly close to Brek¡¯s face. ¡°Take us to the leader of your group,¡± he demanded in a whisper, ¡°or we¡¯ll kill the little girl while you watch. I¡¯m done playing games.¡±

    Brek¡¯s breath caught in his throat, cold sweat beading on his forehead. Instinctively, he sensed the man wasn¡¯t bluffing. It was the first time since this nightmarish ordeal began that he reluctantly acknowledged the impossibility of ending it without some form of compromise.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 70.6%

 CHAPTER 14: Bittersweet Voyage

    Dark billows of clouds draped the earth in eerie shadows. Thunder reverberated across the sky in a low requiem.

    Daisuke stood silently atop a hill at the village¡¯s edge, his grip tight around a familiar pair of hairpins. His expression was one of melancholy, his gaze fixed on a simple tombstone bearing his mother¡¯s name.

    Opening his hand, he gazed at a glass fragment from a vial that once held deadly poison, pondering who might have wanted his mother dead. Yet, despite his efforts, he couldn¡¯t conjure a name or face.

    The unfortunate truth was that he hardly knew anything about Evandria Starfrost; her past was veiled in mystery. The assassin was just the same¡ªa specter that had vanished as mysteriously as he came, robbing a poor woman of her cursed soul in the process.

    In the depths of his frustration, Daisuke¡¯s brows furrowed into dangerous slits, his face a canvas of pure loathing. He balled his fingers into a fist so tight that his knuckles turned white. Crimson droplets pooled and dripped onto the parched earth below, a tangible testament to the intensity of his silent vow for vengeance.

    As if sensing his unwavering resolve, the wind surged around him, a silent witness to his fierce conviction. It whipped at the edges of the orange scarf wrapped around his neck. It was the last token of affection from his mother, a tangible reminder of her enduring love. As he tenderly ran his fingers over the fabric, a bittersweet calm washed over him, soothing the fires of anger that had consumed him moments before.

    But his reverie was abruptly shattered by the arrival of an unwelcome group, jolting him back to the harsh reality of his surroundings.

    With a mere glance from the corner of his eye, Daisuke could easily ascertain the situation: April¡¯s tear-stained face; Brek¡¯s inability to look in his general direction; and the triumphant chuckles of the four men as they forcefully restrained the children.

    Betrayal hung heavy in the air, as plain as day.

    Next, Daisuke saw the swords¡ª

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it,¡± one of the men warned, brandishing a knife perilously close to April¡¯s exposed neck.

    ¡°Hic!¡± she gasped, her eyes widening in fear.

    Without a word, Daisuke raised his hands in surrender and bowed his head in defeat. Alas, even after starting anew in a virtual world, he couldn¡¯t shake off the shadow of misfortune that trailed him.

    Hacking the greatest game of all time, stealing from the middle-class to aid the poor¡ªperhaps, in the end, he was destined for condemnation.

    ¡°B-Big Brother! Big Brother!¡± April cried out as she was being forcibly dragged away, her toy bear tumbling to the ground.

    ¡°You bastards!¡± Brek yelled. ¡°You promised to let her go!¡±

    He tried to resist, but was swiftly brushed aside like a mere insect. With desperation in his eyes, he searched for Daisuke¡¯s gaze, clinging to the hope that their leader would miraculously intervene as he had done countless times before. However, Daisuke remained impassive, refusing to spare even a fleeting glance in his direction.

    ¡°The only reason you¡¯re not being dragged off with them is because we want you to relay a message to your pals: scram, or brace yourselves for a world of hurt,¡± one of the men snarled with menacing intent.

    With those parting words echoing in his mind, Brek remained rooted to the ground, watching helplessly as his world unraveled before him, the consequences of his actions crashing down without mercy.

    Meanwhile, a few meters away, a pair of bunny ears poked out from behind some brush, unnoticed amidst the chaos.

    ***

    HWIIIING~~

    The wind gusted atop a distant mountain.

    At the edge of a cliff, a familiar shopkeeper stood in solemn solitude, the gravity of his evil deeds bearing down heavily upon his shoulders.

    His gaze drifted out into the horizon, but his thoughts remained trapped in the past. He remembered his loving wife, her warmth, her smile¡ªa treasure now lost to him forever.

    Regret clawed at his heart. His mind was filled with the thought of the slum kids who stole to relieve their hunger. He couldn¡¯t fathom or digest the idea of being the cause of their deaths or enslavement, and the guilt weighed on him like an anchor dragging him into the depths of despair.

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    The bitterness of his anger had led him down a dark path, one that he couldn¡¯t bear to continue upon. And tears filled his eyes as he thought about the demon he had become.

    He missed his wife terribly, and the idea of facing life without her, tainted by his rage and possibly murder, was unbearable. With a heavy heart, he made his decision.

    He wanted to be with her again, in whatever lay beyond. With a deep breath and a step forward, the cliff took him, swallowing him in its depths.

    ***

    Around a smoldering fire, a group of rowdy men lounged, their laughter carrying through the crisp afternoon air. One among them, hat tilted low and reclined on his back, lazily observed the scene. In the distance, a mile from Dusthaven, a procession slowly came into view.

    Beneath the sprawling branches of an oak tree stood a horse-drawn wagon, its cargo bed housing a sizable barred cage. Within the enclosure were children of diverse ages, genders, and races. Some looked on with ashen faces, their eyes devoid of any emotion, while others displayed a flicker of curiosity at the newcomers¡¯ approach.

    This marked Daisuke and April¡¯s maiden voyage beyond the village, a somber introduction to the world beyond its boundaries.

    ¡°Eh~? Boss, don¡¯t tell me that¡¯s all the brats you guys managed to bag?¡± one of the men teased.

    ¡°It couldn¡¯t be helped,¡± another man explained with a boisterous laugh. ¡°The little rascals were pretty crafty.¡±

    ¡°Ha-ha! You let yourselves get outsmarted by a bunch of kids?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± the leader finally said, not at all offended. ¡°If we trim the weeds all at once, we won¡¯t be called in for another job, now will we?¡±

    ¡°Smart.¡±

    ¡°In the meantime, we managed to capture their leader so we got a hefty bonus from the vendors,¡± he explained with a satisfied smirk.

    Daisuke half turned his face at the mention of the perpetrators, his eyes narrowed with disdain. One of the heartless men noted his sour expression and shoved him, causing him to stumble. He nearly tripped over April, who had her face buried in his chest.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there,¡± the man barked. ¡°Get in there, the both of you!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s heart skipped a beat as the gate of the cage swung open with a metallic screech. He swallowed, sensing an unforeseeable future the moment he set foot inside, but he didn¡¯t have the power to change his fate. If there was one certainty, however, it was that defying his captors would mean perishing right where he stood.

    April buried her face in his chest again the moment he found a spot at the back of the cage. Her body trembled with fear, and Daisuke gently patted her head, whispering words of comfort as he observed their captors.

    In total, there were seven men¡ªnine if the odd-looking dogs they kept were counted. Each man was armed with a sword, and except for the coachman, they formed a tight-knit circle around the carriage, vigilantly scanning their surroundings.

    Are they on the lookout for monsters? I guess that makes sense. I never left the village because I was warned about the mobs that roam the lands nearby.

    As the carriage began heading northeast, Daisuke took a moment to study the panoramic view. The open grassland unfolded as far as the eyes could see. Undulating waves of emerald-green grass stretched out in every direction, swaying gracefully in the gentle breeze.

    The sun bathed the landscape in warmth, illuminating every blade of grass and revealing the intricate details of the sprawling meadow.

    To the horizon¡¯s edge, a majestic sea met the distant forests. Beyond them, the land rose, giving birth to the rugged grandeur of the steadfast mountains. These towering giants stood as silent witnesses to the passage of time, their peaks touching the heavens, adorned with snow-kissed crowns that shimmered like precious jewels.

    Daisuke shifted his focus back to the cell in time to catch a human boy blatantly ogling April without any regard for his presence. He looked around eight years old, just a year older than April. His large, round eyes were sincere, his cheeks flushed.

    Daisuke¡¯s expression tightened into a disturbed poker face, a single bead of sweat forming at his temple. Is he just going to continue staring like that? Is he one of those innocently dense types?

    A slightly older human girl palmed his face and calmly pushed him away with a poker face of her own. ¡°Sorry about that,¡± she apologized on his behalf. ¡°He¡¯s still learning about the existence of personal space, but he means well.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed suspiciously, and the girl raised her hands in surrender with a kind smile. ¡°Relax. I¡¯m not your enemy; none of us are.¡±

    Daisuke glanced around at the somber expressions on the children¡¯s faces. Like him, they all bore the weight of their own traumatic experiences. He felt foolish for ever suspecting them of anything other than being broken and afraid.

    ¡°My name is Sheba,¡± the girl introduced when Daisuke¡¯s shoulders sagged. ¡°And this is Aldric¡ªhe¡¯s a bit of an oddball, but he¡¯s a good kid at heart.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Haxks, and this is April.¡±

    ¡°Haxks and April¡­ I wish we could¡¯ve met under different circumstances, but it¡¯s nice to meet you both.¡±

    Upon hearing the soothing voice, reminiscent of Mia¡¯s in its compassion, April relaxed her grip on Daisuke and turned her head slightly. Large, chestnut eyes peeked out, assessing the owner of the voice.

    PUOK!

    With the ferocity of a Spartan warrior, Cupid forcefully plunged his arrow into someone¡¯s heart. Aldric¡¯s eyes widened in awe, his face flushing to his ears as he admired April¡¯s beautiful dress and adorable features.

    He was hopelessly smitten.

    ¡°Y-You don¡¯t need to be afraid, April!¡± he exclaimed, slamming a fist to his chest and standing up straight like a soldier. ¡°I¡¯ll protect you! My father was a great smith, so I know my way around a sword. I¡¯ll definitely free you all one day.¡±

    In a flurry of panic, April hastily concealed her face without uttering a word, leaving Aldric¡¯s once rigid stance to wither, his face twisting with disappointment.

    Daisuke cringed, his smile awkward. I¡¯m pretty sure you¡¯re the one scaring her the most though¡­

    He averted his gaze just in time to feel the weight of a girl¡¯s stare from the corner. She was concealed beneath a dark hooded cloak, her features obscured, yet her presence seemed to command attention more than anyone else in the cage.

    ¡°I¡¯m as clueless as you are,¡± Sheba admitted when she noticed his curiosity. ¡°She was here before me, and she doesn¡¯t talk or show much interest in interacting with anyone.¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s due to the trauma?¡±

    ¡°Most likely.¡±

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 66.4%

 CHAPTER 15: The Langley Siblings

    The day gradually transitioned into night.

    There were no monster encounters, particularly because the carriage remained on the main road. However, Daisuke couldn¡¯t determine if it was sheer luck or a missed opportunity for a potential escape.

    As if part of a nefarious design, the men would occasionally hurl snide remarks and insults at the kids, draining away any lingering hope they clung to and squeezing their self-esteem dry, much like wringing out a washcloth.

    The only silver lining, if it could even be labeled as such, was that the merchants were mindful of their profits. They maintained the pristine appearance of their goods, sparing the children from physical abuse and providing plenty of food to nourish them.

    In the distant mountains, the haunting howl of a Kobold pierced the night. The soft, silvery glow of moonlight bathed the landscape as the flames of a crackling bonfire danced, casting flickering shadows on the faces of the seven men huddled around it. They feasted on a stew made from a Horned Rabbit, while the two wild dogs gnawed on the remnants of a pair of skulls nearby.

    Daisuke ignored them with practiced indifference, but a storm brewed within him.

    Before he could properly grieve his mother¡¯s untimely passing, the troop¡¯s betrayal shattered his already unstable world, leaving him adrift in a sea of misery.

    As he reflected on his sacrifices for the people, the light in his eyes gradually dulled, and his heart hardened almost beyond repair. Yet, he refused to surrender to hopelessness.

    Amidst the sleeping children, he delicately traced the auburn strands of hair framing April¡¯s peaceful face. She was fast asleep, her mind exhausted from the incessant grip of fear. She was too young and innocent to be subjected to such a wretched life. He needed to protect her, to shield her from the horrors of this world.

    But how would¡ª

    ¡°Kyaaa~¡± one of the men exclaimed after a swig of booze. ¡°Reginald Alden Percival¡ªso that¡¯s our client, eh? And he¡¯s a Baron?¡±

    ¡°Sounds like his coin purse is pretty deep.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t get my hopes up,¡± the leader cautioned.

    ¡°How come? Nobles are usually loaded, right?¡±

    ¡°Not this guy¡ªat least, not that I know of. According to the rumors, he¡¯s from a long line of talented chemists who have been delving into the secrets of alchemy for generations. A few years ago, close to the end of his life, the former king of this land recognized their impressive achievements and summoned them to the kingdom. He commissioned them to create the Philosopher¡¯s Stone and grant him eternal youth.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡±

    ¡°And what happened?¡±

    ¡°They failed, and the king died. The Percivals were condemned and banished from the palace, but not before being stripped of their titles and having their wealth seized,¡± the leader explained.

    One of the men frowned, his beer suddenly tasting sour. ¡°Then he¡¯s no longer a Baron? Che. He¡¯s not planning to pay for the kids on credit, is he? That won¡¯t fly.¡±

    ¡°No, he¡¯s since then curried favor with a few interesting characters and introduced a special product on the black market.¡±

    ¡°Oh-oh? Sounds like my kinda guy.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed as he eavesdropped on the conversation from the shadows of the cage, then he stroked his chin in contemplation.

    ***

    Daisuke looked around in astonishment as the coachman steered the horse through the gates of a town. It was as though a tempest had swept through the settlement, spiriting away all the inhabitants.

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    Nestled in the heart of a valley lay this once bustling town, now a ghostly shell of its former self. The wooden buildings, weathered and worn by time, stood in eerie silence, their doors hanging off their hinges and windows shattered.

    The steady rhythm of the horse¡¯s hooves and the creaking of the wagon¡¯s wheels echoed through the desolate streets, breaking the silence that had long settled over the abandoned town. The children, who once regarded the world with vacant stares, now glanced around in a mix of awe and trepidation, their movements restricted by the metallic prison.

    The slave merchants, their eyes darting around for any sign of danger or opportunity, led the way through the eerie streets. The two wild dogs, sniffing around for any trace of food or prey, kept close to their masters, their movements alert and predatory.

    One of the men rested his hand on his sword as they passed by the remnants of past monster invasions¡ªtraces of fur, claw marks, broken fences, overturned carts, and churned-up ground.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with this place?¡± one of the men muttered, voicing the question that hung in the air like a dark cloud.

    ¡°Yeah¡ªwhere is everyone?¡± another wondered aloud.

    ¡°Were the people all slaughtered by monsters?¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s brow furrowed as he scanned the abandoned streets, searching for answers. No, if that were the case, we would have seen dried blood, or at least a few skeletons laying around.

    The leader, his gaze fixed on a distant hill, broke the silence with a grim explanation. ¡°After facing condemnation from the kingdom, most, if not all, regions ceased trading with the Percivals and their domain. The sudden disruption in the supply chain affected everyone from farmers to artisans, compelling them to abandon the town and seek refuge elsewhere.¡±

    ***

    A large manor stood amidst a serene countryside. It was once a sight to behold, but now it bore the scars of a fallen noble legacy.

    The imposing structure, with its majestic architecture and elegant turrets, hinted at a glorious past, when the Percival family enjoyed a prominent place in society, their wealth and scientific pursuits admired and highly sought after.

    However, the passage of time was unkind. The manor¡¯s glory had waned, its luster dimmed, and the signs of neglect were evident. Vines, wild and untamed, curled around the stone walls, reclaiming their space with an almost defiant grace.

    Under the Slave Traders¡¯ command, the children formed a neat line in the courtyard of the manor. Percival, flanked by a retinue of guards, carefully scrutinized each youngster. He examined their bone structure, skin condition, and dental health with a clinical eye.

    Despite the tantalizing proximity of the open forest just beyond the courtyard, not a single child dared to make a break for freedom. It was useless. The wild dogs akin to hounds were glaring at them with bared teeth, daring anyone foolish enough to attempt an escape.

    Around the necks of the dogs were grisly trophies¡ªthe skulls of those who had dared to defy the Slave Traders and had paid the ultimate price. It served as a stark reminder that their lives and liberty were now forfeit.

    With a composed smile, Daisuke placed a hand above his heart and bowed deeply as the former Baron approached. ¡°The esteemed Reginald Alden Percival¡ªI¡¯ve heard great things about your work. It¡¯s an honor to make your acquaintance.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± the man looked him over with an unreadable expression before craning his head to the side.

    The leader of the merchants grasped the unspoken cue. ¡°We found him in Dusthaven, leading a gang of young thieves.¡±

    Percival absorbed this revelation, then turned his head to face Daisuke once more. He observed the graceful bow the silver-haired youth maintained, his silence lending weight to his scrutiny. The boy¡¯s demeanor and eloquence hinted at a background worth probing.

    ¡°You appear far too astute to be a simple commoner,¡± Percival remarked. ¡°Who are you, truly?¡±

    Daisuke retained his perfect ninety-degree bow, his left hand gracefully resting on his lower back. ¡°I am Julian Nathaniel Langley,¡± he replied smoothly, ¡°though in these circumstances, I have adopted the moniker Haxks. My family fell victim to blackmail and was subsequently sold into slavery, compelling me to employ any means necessary for survival.¡±

    The merchant leader frowned.

    ¡°Langley,¡± Percival mused, the name failing to stir any recognition. ¡°I¡¯m afraid it doesn¡¯t ring a bell.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised,¡± Daisuke responded calmly. ¡°A family of your stature wouldn¡¯t likely be acquainted with mine. The Langleys were a modest and unassuming household, overseen by a rural countryside lord.¡±

    ¡°And her?¡± Percival¡¯s gaze slid towards the diminutive figure draped in an ostentatious dress, positioned mere inches from the boy.

    ¡°My younger sister¡ªAprilena Elise Langley,¡± Daisuke fabricated smoothly, his countenance a mask of sincerity. ¡°Thankfully, we managed to stay together.¡±

    ¡°Mmm. Aprilena,¡± Percival purred, his lips parting slightly as his eyes roamed over her figure with a salacious hunger, savoring every detail.

    Petrified, April clung to her fake brother, the man¡¯s lust almost a physical and unwelcome caress. Daisuke¡¯s body tensed in outrage, but it didn¡¯t reach the perfectly sculpted mask of his face.

    Percival instructed his butler to escort the siblings to their designated guestrooms, while the remaining children were swiftly transferred into the custody of the slave master.

    The leader of the merchants observed the proceedings with a blend of disdain and detachment. Fool, he muttered inwardly, shaking his head. I can¡¯t believe he fell for that pathetic excuse for a cover story. Che. Well, it¡¯s no longer my problem as long as the payment is secure.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 62.2%

 CHAPTER 16: The Slave Trade

    Daisuke and April took a moment to look around.

    Inside the manor, they were swept into a realm of refined luxury that was worlds apart from the slums they knew. The walls were ornamented with intricate tapestries depicting ancient tales of valor and heroism. A grand chandelier, crafted with a myriad of bizarre crystals, hung from the ceiling, casting a shimmering cascade of light that danced upon the polished marble floor.

    Before they could begin admiring the furnishings¡ª

    ¡°She will guide you both to your rooms and help you freshen up in time for supper,¡± the butler said with a stoic expression, gesturing toward a lone female on the stairs. ¡°Well then... Master Langley, Young Miss,¡± he bowed courteously before excusing himself.

    The young woman who received the task of caretaker only slightly lifted her head as her superior departed. She was a Beastkin garbed in a maid¡¯s uniform. Daisuke didn¡¯t miss the metal collar around her neck, which hinted at her social status within the Percival household.

    Her gaze shifted around awkwardly as she hesitated on where to direct her attention. Finally, she turned around and meekly began leading the way. ¡°I-I will show you to your rooms now,¡± she stammered softly.

    A red carpet edged with gold trim layered the grand staircase leading to the second floor. Mosaic windows bathed the space in natural light, casting shimmering reflections upon the imposing suits of armor stationed at each corner.

    Along the extensive corridor, framed paintings showcased the portraits of past Percival leaders through the ages, a visual chronicle of their lineage and legacy.

    Daisuke¡¯s gaze shifted to the maid¡¯s drooping ears perched atop her head and the listless tail trailing behind her. It prompted him to ponder the living conditions that Sheba and the others would have to endure.

    ¡°Hey you,¡± Daisuke called offhandedly, staying in character. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    The girl offered a sidelong glance, her eyes shimmering with a hint of confusion. ¡°Umm. I don¡¯t have a name.¡±

    ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t have one?¡±

    April exchanged a curious glance with Daisuke. She was pinching the hem of his shirt, walking closely at his side.

    ¡°What do you mean? Explain.¡±

    The girl¡¯s lips pressed into an uncomfortable line before she spoke. ¡°With the exception of the Superior Races, demihuman and noxsian slaves aren¡¯t allowed to have names.¡±

    Setting aside his ignorance about the aforementioned races, Daisuke persisted. ¡°And why is that?¡±

    ¡°¡­Demihumans are widely perceived as monsters,¡± the girl explained in a dejected tone. ¡°Names, according to humans, are only reserved for the civilized and refined. Here, we are generally identified by our gender or by numbers.¡±

    Daisuke sighed inwardly. So demihumans face discrimination and are often enslaved. From what I¡¯ve gathered from the slave merchants, females especially are vulnerable to exploitation. They¡¯re either sold into sex-trafficking rings or forced into domestic servitude.

    I suppose that¡¯s why there were so many female Beastkin in the wagon with us. It seems that no matter the world, racism and prejudice persist. People struggle to accept those who are different from themselves.

    ***

    The air carried a subtle scent of polished wood and aged leather, lending an air of antiquity to the expansive bedroom. Priceless antiques and ornate artifacts adorned the space. A large four poster bed sat in one corner and a heart in another.

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    The Beastkin who had covertly introduced herself as Sylvia was engrossed in rummaging through an ancient trunk near the wardrobe. With swift movements, she sifted through the belongings, sending clothes once worn by the family¡¯s children swirling into the air as she searched for something specific.

    After his embarrassing display of ignorance, which should have been common knowledge even for a commoner, Daisuke humbled himself and reassured Sylvia that she was in good company. In response, the girl¡¯s ears perked up with excitement, and her bushy tail swished with newfound animation.

    Meanwhile, April adamantly refused to loosen her grasp on Daisuke¡¯s shirt, let alone consider being placed in a separate room. When a dress accidentally landed on her head, she swiftly retrieved it and held it before her face.

    ¡°Wow¡ªso pretty!¡± she exclaimed with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with admiration as she admired the garment.

    Daisuke observed her with a tender smile, noting the subtle flush that graced her cheeks for the first time since their departure from Dusthaven. He desperately wanted to preserve that glow.

    ¡°Master Langley,¡± Sylvia called nervously, even as her deft hands continued rummaging through the trunk. ¡°I appreciate your leniency, but you should really be cautious about how you express your views on Beastkin around others. You could find yourself in a lot of trouble.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Sylvia. I¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± Daisuke replied, turning towards the bathroom. ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead and take a bath first.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go, too,¡± April chimed in.

    Sylvia was evidently far more shocked by those words than Daisuke. ¡°A-Aprilena¡­ perhaps you should let Master Langley go first, then you can go afterwards?¡±

    April pouted, her cheeks puffing up like a balloon. ¡°No, I want us to go together!¡±

    Sylvia looked around awkwardly, her cheeks flushing. ¡°A-Aprilena... at your age, boys and girls shouldn¡¯t be taking a bath together. Because¡­ well, it¡¯s umm¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Daisuke interjected, only to note Sylvia undoing her bowtie sheepishly before slowly rolling her stocking down the length of one creamy leg.

    Daisuke cringed. ¡°Umm. What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Offering myself in her place.¡±

    ¡°And why exactly would you need to do that?¡±

    Sylvia paused, gathering her thoughts. ¡°¡­From what I¡¯ve observed, human men are devils who only live to feed their desires. Among all the species, they are known to be the ones mostly consumed by greed and lust, mating with practically anything that moves.¡±

    Daisuke stood motionless, pokerfaced. It was shameful, but he couldn¡¯t quite deny that horrible truth. ¡°That may be so, but humans generally don¡¯t mate with their siblings.¡±

    His conscience, depicted by a small chibi figure, averted its gaze with a guilty expression. Though¡­ April and I aren¡¯t technically related.

    ¡°I¡¯m going!¡± April declared, throwing a tantrum as she clung to her pretend brother. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be alone!¡±

    Sylvia¡¯s lips quivered with disapproval, concern evident in her eyes. Daisuke observed the genuine care and determination reflected in her gaze. Just before she could respond, he posed a question to her.

    ¡°Sylvia,¡± he began, his tone serious and commanding, almost tangible in the room, ¡°can I trust you?¡±

    His intensity caused her to swallow nervously before she replied, ¡°Y-Yes! Of course!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s gaze narrowed to dangerous slits, his butterscotch eyes practically smoldering with intensity. With a steely expression, he delivered his warning. ¡°If you betray me and endanger Aprilena¡¯s life, I¡¯ll do everything in my power to kill you.¡±

    Sylvia¡¯s hair bristled in response to the chilling threat, but she clenched her fists and nodded with solemn resolve.

    Daisuke¡¯s hostility ebbed away as he relaxed his shoulders. He crouched down to meet his makeshift sister at eye level, gently stroking her hair. ¡°I¡¯ll go freshen up and then head down for supper,¡± he said softly. ¡°I need you to stay here and lock the doors while I¡¯m away. I¡¯ll bring you something to eat later.¡±

    April hugged her knees, tears welling in her eyes. It was clear she was more distressed about being alone than her rumbling stomach. ¡°Big Brother, please don¡¯t leave me,¡± she pleaded, her voice trembling with regret. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I acted without your permission.¡±

    She must be referring to the food run Brek organized. ¡°I¡¯m not mad about that,¡± Daisuke reassured her gently.

    ¡°¡­You¡¯re not?¡±

    ¡°Of course not, silly,¡± he replied with a small smile. ¡°I just want you to stay safe.¡± He glanced meaningfully at the attentive Beastkin beside them. ¡°And while I¡¯m away, Sylvia will be here with you.¡±

    ¡°T-That¡¯s right, Aprilena!¡± she exclaimed, throwing herself on the ground beside the brooding child. ¡°Why don¡¯t you lend me a hand with starting the fireplace? Afterwards, we can make sure you¡¯re all cleaned up before Master Langley returns.¡±

    April glanced up at Daisuke, as if seeking his approval, and he responded with a reassuring nod and a warm smile.

    ¡°You lost Mr. Honeykins back in Dusthaven, right?¡± he asked softly. ¡°I promise I¡¯ll find you another friend if you¡¯re a good girl and stay here.¡±

    ¡°H-Hn! I¡¯ll do as you say.¡±

    ¡°Atta girl,¡± Daisuke praised with a gentle pat on her head.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 53.8%

 CHAPTER 17: Knowledge is Power

    A grand mahogany table stood at the center of the spacious dining room, carefully arranged with symmetrical precision. Beneath, a plush carpet provided a soft landing for footsteps, while overhead, a shimmering chandelier cast an elegant glow, accentuating the allure of the food.

    Daisuke, attired in formal garb, sat poised at the table. Beneath his tailored tailcoat, he wore a crisp shirt and trousers, neatly tucked into tall boots. His knife and fork hovered over the leg quarter of a Horned Rabbit, ready to indulge in the feast before him, when Reginald¡¯s voice called out from across the table.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Aprilena?¡±

    There wasn¡¯t a pause in Daisuke¡¯s response. ¡°She¡¯s still a bit shaken up about the whole ordeal.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s understandable,¡± Percival replied in a monotone, casting a brief glance at his butler that evidently held meaning. ¡°She¡¯s still just a child, after all. Winston, why don¡¯t you ensure she gets something to eat.¡±

    ¡°Right away, sir.¡±

    Daisuke watched as the butler straightened his bend before disposing himself to the task. Then Reginald began rehashing the tale about the king¡¯s personal request. The narrative continued as they climbed a flight of stairs leading to the man¡¯s study.

    A plush couch with a footrest beckoned, accompanied by a wooden table littered with a selection of worn books. It was an intimate space, and Daisuke paid particular attention to the filing cabinets.

    Stepping from the study and through a curtain, they entered Reginald¡¯s lab, where alchemical wonders unfolded. A soft, dim light radiated from the crystals that were set in the walls like torches.

    Shelves also lined the walls, each laden with an array of vials, flasks, and ancient tomes. The room was infused with the scent of different herbs, chemicals, and powders. An intricately carved wooden desk took center stage, its surface a mosaic of notes, transmutation circles, sketches, and intriguing ingredients in various stages of experimentation.

    ¡°After being stripped of our wealth, honor, and prestige¡ªthe very pillars that defined the Percival name, my mother left soon after, my sister eloped with her lover, and my father eventually succumbed to his own despair and shame, taking his own life.

    I alone remained.

    I¡¯ve been working alongside my father long enough to know that his work and research wasn¡¯t in vain. He just didn¡¯t have enough time to perfect it, especially under the constant pressure of the king¡¯s waning life.

    But the greedy mongrels at the kingdom didn¡¯t understand that; they readily chastised us after the king passed. Without even giving us a chance to demonstrate our accomplishments, we were looked upon as clowns, and banished.¡±

    In the dungeon-like ambience of the quiet lab, Reginald¡¯s voice carried a tone of anger and derision as he spoke. His mood changed, however, once he began talking about alchemy¡ªa power whispered to be a gift from the gods themselves. His eyes held a spark of passion as he conveyed the science he had succeeded from his father.

    ¡°Alchemy is a force that stirs the heart of both man and universe, a cosmic dance that allows us to touch the divine.¡±

    With an exuberant gesture, he indicated the various components around them. ¡°It is the mastery of matter. It is the art of manipulating elements, of shaping the very foundation of existence. Imagine, Julian, the ability to turn base metals into gold and silver, to wield the Philosopher¡¯s Stone and forge the elixir of youth, defying the relentless march of time.¡±

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    Reginald¡¯s words painted a picture of wonder and possibility. ¡°To be an alchemist is to stand at the crossroads of science and magic, a bridge between the mundane and the extraordinary. We humans strive not just for wealth or power, but to unravel the mysteries of creation itself.¡±

    He paused, a soft smile gracing his lips. ¡°Alchemy isn¡¯t just about transmutation¡ªit¡¯s about transmutation of the self, of the soul. It¡¯s a journey of discovery, a pursuit of the deepest truths hidden within the fabric of the world. And you, my young friend, have the opportunity to embark on this remarkable journey with me.¡±

    Daisuke considered the proposal for a moment.

    He knew the freedom he currently had was just an illusion, and he didn¡¯t want to overstep his boundaries and lose his privileges. While Reginald still enjoyed the attention and praise, he needed to concede to the man¡¯s requests until he could forge an escape plan.

    Daisuke bowed deeply. ¡°I¡¯m still very na?ve about the principles of alchemy, but it would be a great honor to work alongside you, Mr. Percival.¡±

    The man rested a hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder and squeezed, a delightful smile stretching his lips. ¡°I can teach you all you need to know, but only you can condition your mind to receive this vast collection of knowledge.

    Together, you and I will become the pioneers who usher in a new era of economic and technological development in the world. Kings and queens, even the emperor, will humbly prostrate themselves before us. The name Percival and Langley will rise to the rank of gods, and then I¡¯ll finally be able to unleash the wrath of vengeance upon the kingdom that tarnished my family.¡±

    ***

    After agreeing to join Reginald on this quest for power and retribution, Daisuke was shown to the library where he was left to start reading the mountains of books stored there.

    A chandelier as impressive as the one in the dining room hung overhead. The walls, from floor to ceiling, were lined with elaborate shelves that housed hundreds of leather-bound tomes¡ªa testament to a history of intellectual pursuits.

    A grand fireplace, nestled between the shelves on the eastern wall, radiated a comforting warmth, while a large atlas hung from that of the west.

    Daisuke sat around a desk at the back of the room, moonlight streaming in through the large bay windows. As he skipped through the ancient pages of a history book, he found himself reminiscing about a past memory.

    In high-school, his homeroom teacher once told him that knowledge is power; it was the key to success. At that time, he thought it was just another useless idiom to motivate him to study and work hard.

    But real-life experiences proved otherwise. He soon realized that wits, knowledge, observation, and decisiveness, were powerful weapons that everyone should strive to add to their arsenal. These components were truly the secret to success¡ªbut in his current predicament, it would be the key to survival.

    Had he not capitalized on Reginald¡¯s loneliness and need for validation, Daisuke would probably be sharing a cramped space in the slave¡¯s quarters alongside the other children. The thought of what might have happened to April if he hadn¡¯t intervened weighed heavily on him as he stroked her hair.

    By the time he returned to the room, she had fallen into a deep sleep. With a tender touch, he pulled the sheets up to her neck.

    Rather than solely immersing himself in alchemy studies, Daisuke took the initiative to familiarize himself with the game¡¯s atlas, ensuring he had a sense of direction in this unfamiliar world. He delved into books and articles concerning current affairs, safeguarding himself from unwittingly wandering into hostile territories while planning his escape.

    While grateful for his natural ability to read, write, and speak the native tongue of this virtual landscape, Daisuke couldn¡¯t shake the nagging concern that it implied the System had accessed his thoughts, breaching his personal privacy.

    He didn¡¯t know how to feel about that, nor could he shake the unsettling memory of Dusthaven, where the game projected and emulated his biological parents with eerie accuracy. Though, he supposed after attempting to hack the game, he had likely soured any goodwill he had with the Zenith Corporation.

    A sudden, ominous knock echoed at the door, causing Daisuke¡¯s heart to race with apprehension. With a hairpin in hand, reminiscent of his mother¡¯s, he cautiously edged toward the source of the uninvited guest, his senses on high alert.

    ¡°Yes? Who is it?¡±

    ¡°U-Umm¡­ I-I don¡¯t have a name.¡±

    Daisuke sighed, feeling the tension deflate from him like a punctured balloon. He knew exactly what that meant¡ªbeing nameless. Opening the door to a slight ajar revealed a lone girl, no older than ten. She had a pair of furry, sagging ears atop her head, and a tanuki tail drooped between her legs.

    ¡°M-Master Langley,¡± she said in a combination of embarrassment and fear, desperately pulling down at the hem of the chemise nightgown that barely managed to conceal her thighs. ¡°¡­I,¡± she couldn¡¯t hold his gaze. ¡°I was told to¡­ stay here with you tonight.¡±

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 49.6%

 CHAPTER 18: Resonating Souls

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed shrewdly. I guess sending a slave to warm my bed is Reginald¡¯s idea of a housewarming gift, he thought with a hint of annoyance. He must really want me to stay of my own volition.

    The Beastkin looked everywhere except in the direction of Daisuke¡¯s face, uncomfortably fiddling with her fingers. Her small lips were pursed in a prim manner, her cheeks flushed, eyes trembling.

    ¡°Come inside.¡±

    The girl did as she was told, scooting inside barefooted. She hugged herself tightly, trying to soothe her anxiety. But it was simply replaced by dreadful anticipation.

    ¡°Get into bed and lie down.¡±

    ¡°¡­.¡±

    Teary-eyed, the girl once more conceded to the command. Daisuke¡¯s face remained a perfectly cool mask as he approached her. With each confident step he took, the girl¡¯s heart pounded even louder.

    Time seemed to slow to a crawl as his hand began reaching for her, and she held her breath, her eyes squeezed shut in anticipation. However, instead of facing assault and abuse, she felt the bedsheet being pulled up to her neck and her head being stroked tenderly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± reassured Daisuke with a soft smile. ¡°I¡¯m not going to hurt you.¡±

    At the same time, April mumbled in her sleep, shifted, and nestled closer to her newfound bed companion.

    Daisuke¡¯s smile widened. ¡°That¡¯s April. She¡¯s harmless.¡±

    Bewildered, and at a loss for words, the girl looked from April to the silver-haired boy. But she didn¡¯t dare speak out of turn. Instead, she keenly observed and waited.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Daisuke inquired gently, his tone coaxing. ¡°Do you remember it?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...Just so you know, Sylvia trusted me with her name.¡±

    At this, the girl¡¯s ears perked up, a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. ¡°...Tina.¡±

    ¡°Tina,¡± Daisuke repeated with warmth, tenderly running his hand over April¡¯s hair and then hers. ¡°You can stay here tonight. It¡¯ll give the impression that you¡¯ve accomplished your task. Take care of April for me; I¡¯ll be stepping out for a little while.¡±

    Tina nodded meekly in agreement.

    Meanwhile, Daisuke walked to the center of the room and began pacing back and forth, a hand beneath his chin as he deliberated his next move.

    His mind raced as he vividly recalled the filing cabinet in Reginald¡¯s study. If he aimed to devise the perfect escape plan, he needed access to the manor¡¯s blueprint. Yet, his search of the library had yielded no results; the filing cabinets remained the only other likely place where he might find what he sought.

    But how do I get there? I¡¯m sure the door is being watched considering my circumstances.

    Daisuke glanced around the room, hoping the d¨¦cor might inspire an idea. To his delight, he spotted something even better. Tina peered out from under the sheets as he carefully stacked a few pieces of furniture to help him vanish into the upper layer of the ceiling.

    ***

    After painstaking effort and the destruction of countless spiderwebs, Daisuke finally maneuvered through the musty and dimly lit space until he reached a familiar room beneath his feet. After confirming that the coast was clear by cautiously peering through the seams in the woodwork, he carefully made his way outside, utilizing the ceiling-high shelf as a foothold.

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    Little did Daisuke know, he had unwittingly activated a small transmutation circle etched into the floorboards of the ceiling simply by making contact with it.

    Quietly descending the ladder into the office, he could now hear the soft voice of a girl. Amidst her gentle cries, he discerned the passionate panting and moaning of a female in the throes of desire.

    Through the partially transparent screen dividing the office from the lab, Daisuke could clearly see the animated silhouette of a figure engaged in intimate activity. Accompanying the scene were the sounds of heavy breathing and groaning.

    It was Reginald.

    Daisuke wasted no time. He urgently slinked toward the filing cabinets and began searching until he found what he sought. Then he immediately returned the way he came.

    ¡°Please,¡± the girl muttered breathlessly, pleadingly. ¡°Please stop! No! No more!¡±

    Daisuke felt his heart drop, and he fastened his eyes shut and clenched his teeth. He knew¡ªhe could tell without a doubt that the intimacy between Reginald and the girl wasn¡¯t consensual, not even in slightest.

    But what could he do?

    As far as he was concerned, he was just a regular NPC, or perhaps even less. He had no ?Stats? or ?Skills?, which meant he lacked strength or power. He didn¡¯t possess any weapons or items, nor did he have capable allies. How could he possibly navigate a hostile confrontation between Reginald and his subjects?

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Daisuke whispered dejectedly, and then he was gone.

    ***

    RUMBLE~

    The sporadic growling of hungry bellies intermingled with the screech of crickets. With her heightened sense of hearing, Sheba could vividly perceive the distressing sounds, and it shattered her heart.

    Releasing her knees, she shifted onto her back atop an uncomfortable bed of hay. It was only her first night, yet her back was already developing an infernal ache. All around her, the other Beastkin slaves shared the same makeshift bed, and the thought of those who had endured longer than she had pained her deeply.

    Suddenly, out of nowhere, a hand shot out from the darkness and clamped over her mouth. Sheba panicked, squirming and attempting to scream into the hand until she recognized the familiar face. The figure stood silently, pressing an index finger to his lips.

    ¡°Shhh~¡± he whispered.

    As Sheba stilled and quieted herself, the silver-haired boy removed his hand with a wan smile.

    ¡°H-Haxks,¡± Sheba uttered in a hushed tone, her surprise evident. ¡°How... what are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I come bearing gifts,¡± he explained, gesturing towards the large sack at his side.

    With the blueprint safely in hand, Daisuke had effortlessly made his way to the kitchen through the ceiling, where he raided its pantry. Afterwards, he moved stealthily towards the slave quarters situated behind the manor.

    The building, as one might expect, was a rather inhospitable place. The structure, reminiscent of a hybrid between a house and a barn, was hardly welcoming. Within its walls, the Beastkin cohabited with a family of horses, sharing their living space amidst the lingering scent of manure and urine.

    Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, the slaves¡ªprimarily comprised of children and young adults¡ªeagerly consumed the food Daisuke provided, their hunger outweighing any discomfort.

    Those who had eaten their fill felt a change in their spirits. Their expressions shifted from the shadow of want to a glimmer of contentment. Children, whose laughter had been stifled by their circumstances, began to play, their newfound energy a testament to the revitalizing power of even the simplest meal.

    Among them stood Sheba, her heart filled with relief and joy. The atmosphere buzzed with cheerful sounds, a stark contrast to the somber mood that had hung over the space just moments before.

    ¡°Now, everyone,¡± Sylvia called out in a commanding tone. ¡°What do we all say to Mr. Langley for bringing us food?¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± they chimed in unison.

    Then, in an instant, they were all back to running around and playing once more.

    Daisuke smiled ruefully, and then his gaze fell upon the hooded girl with the enigmatic presence. She was nestled in a quiet corner, distancing herself from the flurry of activity.

    With a silent understanding, Daisuke secured provisions before they ran out¡ªa loaf of bread, crisped bacon, and a cup of water. Approaching her cautiously, he extended the food, the simple gesture a bridge between two worlds, between the noise and the stillness.

    The girl kept her head low, her petite frame trembling in the biting cold of the frigid night. Her body visibly stilled as she felt the comforting embrace of an orange scarf being delicately wound around the hood of her cloak.

    ¡°Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise,¡± Daisuke whispered in a velvety tone, butterscotch eyes smoldering with sympathy. ¡°If it¡¯s the last thing I do, I promise I¡¯ll get you out of here. So try to keep up your strength; it will also help to keep you warm.¡±

    Daisuke didn¡¯t wait for a response. He turned on his heels and began making his way over to Sheba and Sylvia, completely unaware that fleeting exchange had forged a cosmic connection that went beyond words.

    Crimson-red eyes surreptitiously peeked out from depths of the girl¡¯s hood as she tenderly ran her fingers over the fabric of the scarf. Perfect, unpainted lips parted to breathe a word of gratitude, but then she swallowed them down, stifling the resonance that hummed between them.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 41.2%

 CHAPTER 19: Crude and Shrewd

    Daisuke, surrounded by Sylvia, Sheba, Aldric, and a few other young adults, spoke with a quiet determination. Their faces reflected a mix of curiosity and hope.

    ¡°I¡¯m not here to stay, and I won¡¯t leave any of you behind,¡± Daisuke stated, capturing their attention.

    ¡°...You¡¯re not just talking big, right?¡± questioned an older male Beastkin. ¡°Do you have a real plan?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Daisuke affirmed, and the group leaned in, ready to hear his strategy. ¡°I managed to get my hands on the manor¡¯s floor plans a while ago, which is how I¡¯ve avoided getting caught sneaking around.¡±

    ¡°What? How on earth did you...¡± someone started, but Daisuke raised a hand, signaling for silence.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Daisuke observed Sheba and Sylvia exchanging looks of shock and bewilderment. ¡°What is it? What¡¯s wrong?¡± he inquired, noticing their expressions.

    Sylvia whispered under her breath, ¡°Reginald, I imagine, should be in his office or lab with... someone.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°There... was someone.¡±

    ¡°Haxks,¡± Sheba whispered now. ¡°That someone you saw or heard... was one of the girls that was brought here with us in the wagon.¡±

    Daisuke paled, his expression crumpling.

    ¡°Ruth and Tina,¡± Aldric clarified, his voice trembling with anguish as tears streamed down his face. ¡°Those two girls were taken away earlier today, even though I promised to protect them!¡±

    ¡­Ruth and Tina, Daisuke murmured their names inwardly, a mix of disgust and outrage churning in his veins. One of them is the girl who was sent to my room. B-But they¡¯re just kids! Reginald, that sick bastard!

    Sylvia¡¯s arms wrapped around herself, a shiver running through her frame, which immediately suggested that she too might have been ensnared by the man¡¯s sinister intentions.

    Though it pained her to discuss it, the girl found her voice, determined to unveil the profound darkness that had taken root within the walls of the Percival estate.

    Apparently, after years of immersing himself in research alongside his father, Reginald found himself compelled to cast aside his humanity and forsake all earthly desires in the name of scientific pursuit.

    With his family now in ruins, he yearned to seize every drop of life¡¯s essence before time¡¯s grip tightened. A voracious hunger arose, devouring all in its path, from the finest cuisines and garments to the allure of intoxicants and companionship, irrespective of gender.

    And as his desires twisted and evolved, a thirst for the forbidden emerged, reshaping his cravings into a darker form of greed. As Daisuke listened to the frightening tale, he couldn¡¯t help but remember the perverse stare Reginald gave April. He knew it was only a matter of time before she fell prey to his sick desires.

    With determination blazing in his eyes, Daisuke abruptly stood up, catching the group off guard. ¡°Time is running out; I need to put an end to this before more harm is done.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± the same Beastkin asked eagerly.

    Daisuke paused, deep in thought, before responding, ¡°I¡¯m still working on it. But for now, I need to get back before anyone notices that I¡¯m gone. Sheba,¡± he turned to her with a hint of regret, ¡°how do I say this¡­ I¡¯m really sorry about leaving you guys behind.¡±

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    ¡°You¡¯re being too hard on yourself,¡± the girl said with a small smile, shaking her head. ¡°Your quick thinking is what allowed you to get close enough to steal the floor plans.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± Sylvia chimed in, wiping away the last of her tears. ¡°You¡¯ve opened up plenty of options for us now, all because you thought on your feet.¡±

    ¡°Haxks~¡± Aldric whined, his tears and snot creating a messy masterpiece on his face. Sheba kept him at arm¡¯s length, gripping the waist of his pants. ¡°Please¡­ please save Ruth and Tina! They both need a hero, and you¡¯re the only one who I can depend on to do it!¡±

    Daisuke cringed.

    ¡°Aldric, I know how you feel,¡± Sheba chimed in, fighting the urge to kneel and plead alongside him. ¡°I want Ruth and Tina to be safe too. But don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being just a little bit unreasonable?¡±

    ¡°I hate to admit it, but he¡¯s got a point,¡± the male Beastkin added, scratching his head. ¡°Haxks is just one guy; if he acts rashly then forget those two girls, we¡¯re all going to be royally screwed, literally.¡±

    The girls flinched back scathingly at the pun.

    ¡°Too much?¡±

    They all nodded, pokerfaced.

    Daisuke scratched the back of his head awkwardly. ¡°Assuming things go smoothly, I¡¯ll return tomorrow with a well-thought-out plan. But before that, I¡¯ll need to examine the blueprint, survey the estate, and establish a safe way out.¡±

    ¡°Please, take care.¡±

    ¡°And keep an eye on Winston; there¡¯s something about him that doesn¡¯t sit right with me. I can¡¯t quite put my finger on it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been sensing it too.¡±

    Sheba, Sylvia, and Feng offered words of encouragement, while Aldric, still disheartened, received a playful hair tousle from Daisuke.

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t be too hard on yourself,¡± Daisuke reassured him. ¡°Just hang tight while I sort things out, alright?¡±

    ¡°Okay...¡±

    ¡°By the way,¡± Daisuke gestured towards the male Beastkin with a questioning look.

    ¡°It¡¯s Feng.¡±

    ¡°Feng, do you know your way around a sword?¡±

    ¡°More or less.¡±

    ¡°Great. Then you¡¯ll be leading the group as the sole vanguard. Can we count on your senses to steer us clear of monsters?¡± Daisuke nodded at Feng with a hopeful expression.

    ¡°Heh. Consider it done,¡± Feng replied confidently.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we need to worry too much about security,¡± Sylvia chimed in reassuringly. ¡°After being banished by the kingdom, the Percivals lost their wealth. They no longer have the finances to hire adequate security or even to cater to the manor¡¯s regular upkeep. As you can see, it¡¯s mostly slaves who do all the work.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyebrows furrowed in curiosity. ¡°If it¡¯s obvious Reginald doesn¡¯t have sufficient security, then why haven¡¯t the slaves sparked a rebellion?¡±

    ¡°Winston,¡± she responded flatly. ¡°Since he single-handedly made short work out of a powerful Wolfkin who attempt to escape, everyone has been pretty docile.¡±

    ¡°You weren¡¯t joking about him being dangerous.¡±

    ¡°No, I wasn¡¯t. If we can¡¯t find a way to stay off his radar, escaping without casualties will be impossible.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Daisuke nodded solemnly. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±

    ***

    Daisuke let out a sigh of relief.

    After learning about Winston, it became increasingly nerve-wracking to sneak around the estate. But luckily, he made it safely back to his room, and a strained smile touched his lips upon noting that both girls were still fast asleep.

    His features hardened, however, as he contemplated the next innocent girl who would inevitably become a victim of Reginald¡¯s dark and insatiable desires. Sylvia¡¯s story had made it quite clear that he wasn¡¯t necessarily safe either.

    Daisuke ran his hand through his hair, gripping his head with a grave expression. I need a plan.

    ***

    The aroma of freshly made eggs and sausages didn¡¯t hold much appeal while sitting across from a devil.

    ¡°Julian, how are your studies progressing?¡± Reginald inquired, peering over the rim of his tea cup.

    ¡°Good so far,¡± Daisuke replied with forced exuberance. ¡°It¡¯s a lot to take in all at once, though.¡±

    The man chuckled softly. ¡°¡­There¡¯s no need to lie.¡±

    Daisuke cleverly kept his expression guarded, but he stopped breathing. Dammit! Did he somehow find out about last night?

    ¡°How did you like the gift I prepared? You kept her all night long, so when could you have found the time to sufficiently study?¡±

    Daisuke breathed.

    Reginald smiled, evidently amused. ¡°I must admit, I thought you were too young to appreciate the warmth of a companion, but it seems I was mistaken.

    I took great care to provide you with someone of purity, as a gesture of my respect and appreciation for you. I trust this will mark the beginning of a fruitful partnership between us.¡±

    Daisuke frowned inwardly. So, he did have someone watching the room, after all. He¡¯s shrewd, I¡¯ll give him that much. I¡¯ll need to be extra cautious in my actions from now on.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 37%

 CHAPTER 20: Shebaâ€™s Lamentation

    In the warm glow of the afternoon sun, Sheba knelt beside a large wooden basin, the rhythmic sounds of her washboard echoing softly. Her aura exuded warmth and welcome, enveloping the space around her.

    As she diligently scrubbed the laundry, a fine mist of water droplets caressed her skin, drawing her gaze to the source¡ªthe freshly washed sheets billowing on the clotheslines.

    A gentle breeze swept through the rolling plains, causing the sheets to dance and the mist to refract sunlight, painting the air with hues of rainbow.

    Suddenly, a cry from the stables broke the tranquility, and Sheba¡¯s heart skipped a beat. One of the children was playing too roughly with a horse¡¯s tail. The startled creature reared its head with a displeased neigh, causing the child to stumble and fall.

    The other kids stood back, fear evident in their eyes, hesitant to approach their distressed friend while the horse remained agitated.

    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Sheba approached and knelt beside the fallen child, her warm smile a beacon of reassurance. ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    The child nodded, tears welling in his eyes as he winced from the pain in his leg. ¡°I-I think so,¡± he stammered, his voice trembling.

    With a tender touch, Sheba placed her hand on his bruised leg, a soft glow emanating from her fingertips as she channeled her healing magic. ¡°There, all better,¡± she said with a smile, her gentle words calming his fears.

    The boy beamed, his eyes wide with surprise. ¡°Thank you, Sheba,¡± he exclaimed before pushing to his feet and scurrying off to play once more.

    With his hands tucked into his pockets, Feng approached Sheba, having witnessed her kindness and compassion. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you could use healing magic,¡± he remarked, respect hidden beneath an aloof demeanor.

    Sheba rose to her feet and slowly approached the skittish horse, her gentle caress soothing the creature. ¡°...Yes, but not when I needed it most.¡±

    Sensing the cold undercurrent in her words, Feng leaned against a wooden beam, opting to listen rather than pry further.

    ¡°¡­I was born in the far north,¡± she began, her voice low. ¡°I lived with my mother and father, and I was the eldest of five siblings. Our village was small and remote, so everyone had to pitch in to make ends meet, even at a young age. My father was a farmer, and I took on the responsibility of looking after my brothers and sisters while my mother managed the household.

    Some days were tough, but we were happy.

    One year, we faced a particularly bad harvest, leaving our food supplies dangerously low. The winters in Vhale were harsh, so our situation was extremely dire. In his despair, my father turned to drinking; a way, I suppose, to cope with his worries.

    It seemed reasonable at the time,¡± she remarked, a distinct note of outrage simmering in her tone. ¡°But things took a darker turn when he started gambling. In his drunken state, it didn¡¯t take long for him to accumulate a large amount of debt, and the creditors were growing eager to collect.¡±

    There was a moment of silence, and Sheba¡¯s hand stilled on the horse.

    ¡°My father is a cold and calculating man,¡± she continued, trying her best to keep her voice even. ¡°Looking back, it¡¯s disturbing how easily he prioritized logic and reason over his own family, and I can¡¯t help but resent him for it,¡± she confessed, her lips pressed into a tight line.

    ¡°To settle his debts... he resorted to the unthinkable. He sold my siblings to Slave Traders.¡±

    Feng¡¯s frown deepened at her words.

    ¡°I can still see it vividly¡ªthe men barging into our home, their brutish grip on my siblings as they were torn away from us. And there was my father, a mere spectator from the safety of the kitchen table, lost in the comfort of his drunken haze.

    Despite my mother¡¯s efforts to stop them, she was overpowered and fell, hitting her head on the stones by the fireplace. I tried to help her,¡± whispered Sheba, her voice breaking, ¡°but I just couldn¡¯t stop the bleeding. Back then, I didn¡¯t have any magic, so there was little I could do.

    Within moments, my mother was gone, all while my father wallowed in his own self-pity. I charged at him in a blind rage, my chest heaving. Before I knew it, my hands were around his neck. Yet, he was unresponsive, his mind shattered by the unforgivable sin he had committed.

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    I screamed, I cried, I pounded his chest in frustration. But the father I once knew was gone, leaving me without even an outlet for my anger and grief. In a matter of moments, my entire family was gone¡ªripped from my grasp and my life.

    Afterward... I left the village in search of my siblings, only to find myself ensnared in a cage instead. And now... all I have left are regrets,¡± she murmured, her body sinking to the ground as tears traced a path down her cheeks.

    ¡°As the merchants took my siblings away, I was paralyzed by fear, selfishly praying they wouldn¡¯t take me too,¡± she confessed, her fingers twisting into her hair. ¡°If only I had¡ª¡±

    Feng¡¯s hand landed on her head in a rough yet comforting gesture, his other hand still tucked into his pocket. ¡°You were just a kid,¡± he reassured her gently, ¡°it¡¯s natural to feel scared in that kind of situation.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°I have faith that Haxks will come through for us,¡± he continued, his gaze unwavering as he finally met hers. ¡°Once we get out of here, I¡¯ll help you to find your siblings, so don¡¯t cry anymore.¡±

    Sheba¡¯s eyes shimmered with gratitude, her cheeks flushing faintly as a tender smile graced her lips. ¡°Can we... just stay like this for a while longer?¡± she whispered.

    Feng¡¯s expression softened into a rare smile, his hand tenderly caressing her head. ¡°Sure...¡±

    ***

    Aware that he was discreetly under surveillance, Daisuke recognized the necessity of projecting compliance with Reginald¡¯s directives. Without waiting for a direct command, he proceeded to the library, where he delved into the intricacies of alchemy to expand his knowledge.

    Sneaking into the ceiling during the daytime wouldn¡¯t be a wise move, he thought, eyeing an access point above a bookshelf. There¡¯s a higher risk of being seen or heard, and it¡¯s likely that someone might come looking for me in the library.

    It was frustrating.

    During the night was his only window for free movement, but it came at a steep cost¡ªthe sacrifice of a child¡¯s innocence, and perhaps her sanity along with it. Ruth showed no signs of recovery from her trauma, and the mere notion of April suffering a similar fate was unbearable to Daisuke.

    After breakfast, he embarked on a thorough inspection of the estate, meticulously noting the positions of the scant guards stationed both within and around the property. In an ideal scenario, he would have preferred several more days to painstakingly observe their movements and habits, but unfortunately, he didn¡¯t have that kind of luxury.

    With a more or less secure plan in place, all Daisuke needed to do was procure a few swords from the weapons vault. If that proved too challenging, he would settle for the less durable ones adorning the walls as mere decorations.

    Securing food was optional.

    Next, setting the kitchen ablaze was crucial to the success of the plan. While the chaos ensued, the slaves would seize the opportunity to flee the estate under the veil of night.

    Honestly, it wasn¡¯t much of a plan, but time constraints allowed no room for further improvement.

    Moving through the estate before everyone was sound asleep carried its risks, but Daisuke knew the plan had to be set in motion before another innocent soul succumbed to predation. It was a one-shot opportunity, and failure meant losing everything.

    Taking a calming breath, Daisuke refused to dwell on what lay at the end of his mysterious existence. As he awaited the setting sun, he found himself seated in the library, engrossed in a book. His eyes darted from side to side, fully immersed in the compelling text unfolding before him.

    The veil between the mundane and the extraordinary thins, revealing alchemy¡¯s profound ability to twist and distort the very essence of matter.

    The alchemist, as the conjurer of transformation, becomes the weaver of reality¡¯s fabric. Elements, once thought immutable, bow to the dance of alchemical incantations, surrendering to their latent potential.

    Among the most coveted of alchemical feats is the transmutation of base metals into silver and gold. This is not a mere metallurgical process, but a communion with the very heart of matter. Through intricate rituals and precise calculations, the alchemist coaxes metals to shed their mundane form.

    To master the art of transmutation is to unlock the universe¡¯s hidden potential, to traverse the fine line between science and magic, and to touch the divine symphony that orchestrates creation. The pages that follow delve into the mysteries and methods of this arcane craft, inviting the seeker to¡ª

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in shock at the traces of torn out pages that followed. Huh? These pages were blatantly ripped out. But why would anyone want to do that?

    Eager to continue, he briskly approached the shelf where the book had once rested, his hand reaching into the now vacant space. Balancing on tiptoe, he extended his arm, delving deep into the recesses of the shelf. Yet, to his dismay, he found nothing.

    Or so he believed.

    Unbeknownst to him, a concealed transmutation circle slowly hummed awake from its long slumber. It resonated in harmony with the one Daisuke had inadvertently activated in the ceiling above Reginald¡¯s office. Together, the magic circles executed the embedded command within their cores.

    Before long, a subtle tremor and a low rumble unveiled a trap door in the floor.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 32.8%

    <hr>

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 CHAPTER 21: Cedric Oswald Percival

    ¡°No way!¡± Daisuke exclaimed in a hushed tone, his eyes darting nervously around the room. ¡°It¡¯s a secret entrance. But how did I even activate it? Does... Percival know about this?¡± he mused, stealing another furtive glance toward the library door. ¡°If it¡¯s a hidden chamber, then something ancient and evil may be sealed away down there, or it could be some sort of treasure.¡±

    Optimistically clinging to the latter possibility, which could prove to be a crucial asset for his escape, Daisuke swallowed hard, willing his racing pulse to slow as he prepared to explore the mysterious depths below.

    As he descended the creaking stairs of the trap door, Daisuke found himself in a dimly lit chamber that exuded an aura of age. The air held a heavy humidity, which made breathing difficult and uncomfortable.

    Mustiness lingered in every corner, a testament to the passage of time and the secrets that had accumulated in this subterranean sanctum.

    Cobwebs decorated the nooks and crannies of the dungeon-like room. Vats of strange and curious specimens were arranged on shelves in tandem, their contents hidden behind cloudy glass.

    Accompanying them were a collection of weathered books. Their leather-bound spines bore the weight of time, their pages yellowed and fragile, each a repository of wisdom.

    In the center of the room, a work table stood, its surface marred by the imprints of countless experiments. Jars of various sizes and shapes were scattered about, some half-open with contents long since dried or evaporated.

    The unwavering glow of a magic crystal dimly illuminated the tarnished metal instruments that lay strewn across the table¡ªtweezers, flasks, and other mysterious tools with purposes known only to the previous owner.

    Daisuke¡¯s fingers ran across the dusty workspace before coming to a halt atop a large grimoire wrapped in eerie leather. With bated breath, he slowly opened the thick cover and coughed as the accumulated dust particles assaulted his lungs.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s definitely been a while since someone last came down here,¡± remarked Daisuke as he opened the large book to its first page. Let¡¯s see¡­¡±

    ¡°My name is Cedric Oswald Percival¡ªfirst of my name. If you are reading this text, it means you have followed the correct sequence to unlocking this place and have been judged worthy of my legacy. Otherwise, the path would not have opened, whether by fire, flood, or decay.

    Since I was but a child, I have pondered the origins of man. This led me to the discovery of alchemy. Despite the foul gazes of my family and brethren, I moved away from the capital and to the countryside. Here, I could focus on my work away from prying eyes.

    It took an entire lifetime, but I managed to perfect my craft, and in doing so, touched the very face of God. It was only then that I realized the potential dangers of my achievement, and the cataclysmic threat it posed to the world.

    Human greed surpasses even that of the Gods¡¯¡ªto that end, I refused to trust even my very seed with the power I have fostered. You, however, have been deemed worthy.

    I spent my life discovering this gift, and you will spend yours sharing its many blessings with the rest of the world. Though we may not be related by blood, you will henceforth become my successor. Never diverge from the righteous path you have chosen.

    Godspeed.¡±

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    On the next page was an intricately drawn circle. Before Daisuke could decipher the letters that elegantly interwove with the diagram, he felt his mouth moving of its own accord, reciting them with an effortless and eloquent grace.

    ¡°Per scriptum et signa, obligatus sum; in regno alchemiae, potentiam inveniam.¡±

    The transmutation circle ignited with a stunning blue luminescence as the incantation was evoked. In an instant, a searing pain surged through Daisuke, coursing from the crown of his head to his eyes, which welled up with blood.

    In his confusion, he abruptly wiped away what he believed were tears, only to confront his moistened fingertips with a growing panic. For a moment, he felt nauseous and unsteady on his feet.

    Clinging to the table¡¯s edge for stability, he observed the grimoire¡¯s timeworn pages now devoid of any content. Before he could grapple with this enigma, a familiar rumble reverberated, and the chamber trembled akin to before.

    It was an unmistakable signal; a prompt to depart, and Daisuke quickly climbed the stairs as he wiped the last of the blood from his face.

    No sooner had the ancient sanctum vanished from sight did the doors of the library burst open and in rushed a startled guard. He looked around cautiously before focusing his suspicious gaze on Daisuke.

    ¡°I heard a loud commotion from down the corridor,¡± said the man. ¡°Is everything all right?¡±

    Daisuke schooled his face into a perfect mask and replied. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine¡ªjust a little accident is all,¡± he pointed to a nearby ladder leaning against a shelf. ¡°I fell while trying to reach a book.¡±

    He was prepared to use the bloodstains on his fingers to fortify his claim, though the prospect of consulting a medical practitioner or healer was an unwelcome inconvenience.

    Fortunately, the guard departed with merely a cautionary remark, leaving Daisuke to breathe a sigh of relief once he was alone again.

    He attempted to replicate the actions he had taken with his hands in the empty slot of the bookshelf, but to no avail. Given that the trap door had swiftly closed upon anyone¡¯s approach to the library, Daisuke surmised there must be a sophisticated mechanism in place to detect and respond to unwelcome visitors.

    Though he couldn¡¯t fully comprehend what had transpired during his time in the secret study, a gut feeling told him there was likely nothing of interest left to discover, even if he managed to reopen the path.

    ***

    Daisuke was just finishing up brunch with April inside his room when an unexpected visitor arrived. Standing in the doorway, freshly scrubbed and clad in an almost transparent nightgown, was another tribute, her expression one of devastation.

    As she revealed who had been sent to Reginald¡¯s room simultaneously, Daisuke¡¯s features contorted into a dark reflection of her own anguish. In a frenzied whirlwind of thoughts, he grasped his head, his eyes trembling with intensity. His hands clenched into fists, crumpling his shirt as his heart threatened to rupture from his chest.

    Desperately, he searched for a solution, but every avenue he considered led to the same grim conclusion¡ªdeath.

    Why? Why did he suddenly decide to change his routine? Why did I even believe he had a routine to begin with? Sheba. Sheba. How can I save her? What can I do?

    Daisuke was beyond frustrated. He knew nothing could be done, but still he probed every facet of his mind, desperately trying to wring out a miracle that would never manifest.

    Crushed beneath the weight of these relentless misfortunes, Daisuke clenched his fists and sank to the floor. Their hearts breaking in unison with his own, both girls cradled him in their arms, his soft cries resonating through them both.

    ***

    April shifted her gaze from the Beastkin to Daisuke, both of whom were sound asleep on the bed. Seated in the bedside chair, she tenderly trailed her tiny fingers through the strands of hair on his forehead. Dark circles marred the skin beneath his eyes, and his tear-stained face retained a flushed hue, evidence of his sorrow.

    April pouted.

    She had never witnessed her typically composed and self-assured brother in such a state of helplessness and distress before, and it vexed her immensely.

    From the moment she got kidnapped until now¡ªno, even long before that, she had felt the nagging sensation of being a burden to him.

    As these turbulent thoughts brewed within her mind, April glanced toward the bedside table, her gaze falling upon the hairpin Daisuke had entrusted to her for defense if necessary. Then, like rain clouds creeping to the forefront of her consciousness, a target slithered into her thoughts.

    The Beastkin stirred from her sleep in time to witness as April vanished beyond the door. Then, with a gentle nudge, she roused Daisuke from his slumber.

    ¡°Huh? April? Where is she?¡±

    Before the girl could shed light on the situation, he noted that the hairpin was missing from the bedside table and was easily able to connect the dots.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 28.6%

 CHAPTER 22: True Intentions

    April was just a few meters away from the door leading into Reginald¡¯s lab, but still her confident strides did not slow. It was the way of kids to believe that they were invincible, and April was no different¡ªespecially when anger constituted the heady cocktail that pulsed through her veins.

    The double doors were open to a slight ajar, casting a slender column of light upon the red carpet that lined the long corridor. Like a predator stalking prey, April got down on all fours, weapon in hand, and sneaked a peek at the bad man who had made both Sheba and her brother sad.

    Her heart pounded in her small chest, but it was a symphony of encouragement, not surrender. Before she could push to her feet with an energy fueled from a lifetime of indignation and poverty, salvation unfurled its giant wings.

    ¡°Mmm¡ª¡±

    April suddenly felt a pair of capable hands restraining her from behind, one securely covering her mouth so she wouldn¡¯t make a peep.

    ¡°April,¡± Daisuke whispered in disbelief, turning her around slowly. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you? It¡¯s not like you to be so reckless!¡±

    Tears welled up in her eyes as she pouted. ¡°But he¡­ he made you cry. I can¡¯t forgive him for hurting my friends.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s expression softened, and then he pulled her into a hug. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I made you see that moment of weakness, but I¡¯m all better now. Your big brother will definitely get us out of this mess.¡±

    ¡°H-Hn!¡± she nodded with a sob.

    Her face now buried in his chest, Daisuke¡¯s expression hardened as he looked to Sylvia who had just arrived on the scene. ¡°How bad is it?¡± he asked.

    Sylvia hung her head, the details of her face shrouded in shadows. ¡°¡­She¡¯s all but an empty shell now. She hasn¡¯t eaten or uttered a word since, just vacantly staring into the distance.¡±

    Daisuke gnashed his teeth, and as if his hatred suddenly became palpable¡ª

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Reginald asked in a stern voice from inside the room. ¡°Show yourself at once.¡±

    Almost simultaneously, Daisuke passed April to Sylvia with a telling gaze before pushing to his feet.

    ¡°It¡¯s just me,¡± he said upon pushing the doors open. ¡°Sorry to intrude; I hesitated because I didn¡¯t know if it was a good time.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense,¡± the man gestured with warm hospitality and a sincere smile. ¡°A matter of fact, your timing is perfect¡ªoh, how was the afternoon treat I sent? Was it to your liking?¡±

    Daisuke preserved the integrity of his face. He didn¡¯t know if the man meant brunch or the slave he sent, but just to err on the side of caution, he assumed it was the latter.

    ¡°It was excellent! I truly appreciate you looking out for me in every regard,¡± he confessed with a bow. ¡°It¡¯s enough to wash away the hardships I endured during my time in captivity. I¡¯m eternally grateful.¡±

    ¡°Now, now,¡± the man fanned his hand dismissively. ¡°Enough of that¡ªI¡¯m sure you would do the same for a fellow nobleman, if our roles were reversed.¡±

    He continued when Daisuke raised his head.

    ¡°My great-great grandfather, Cedric Oswald Percival, brought the flame of alchemy into our family¡¯s lineage. He achieved remarkable strides in his studies, though regrettably, much of his legacy remains fragmented.

    Nonetheless, despite the slender threads he left behind, his wisdom spurred my great grandfather onto the path of a chemist. From that point onward, the Percivals earned renown for their alchemical pursuits, and the torch was passed through each successive generation.

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    The kingdom¡¯s scorn and our subsequent condemnation only stoked my resolve to thrive. With revenge as a driving force, I now stand at the precipice of a wondrous breakthrough, fueled by ambition and the thirst for retribution.¡±

    At the center of his lab, Reginald unveiled his current endeavor with an almost crazed grin. He invited Daisuke to approach. A long table was organized with a myriad of elements plucked from the periodic table¡ªan array of powders, rocks fragments, and liquids of various colors. A collection of materials sourced from plants and creatures also constituted the list.

    Next to the table, the stone floor showcased a wide transmutation circle drawn in chalk, stretching about ten feet in diameter. And at its heart sat a rectangular object covered with a plain white sheet.

    As the man vented his frustration about a minor yet elusive snag in the procedure that thwarted his aspirations, Daisuke felt an inexplicable pull towards the scattered parchments on the table.

    Each sheet featured an intricate rendering of the inner circles: symmetrical lines, arches, symbols, and letters that made up the larger model etched on the ground.

    Daisuke found himself skimming through them, entranced as if caught in the embrace of an otherworldly spell.

    In mathematics, a particular sequence existed that had to be followed when solving an equation.

    One added to one equal two; six divided by two results in three; and four multiplied by four yields sixteen. But what happens when you intertwine all these expressions with diverse operations: 3¡Á (4+2) ¨C 8 ¡Â 2?

    If calculations are carried out from left to right without any specific sequence, the answer becomes ten, which is incorrect. The right answer is actually fourteen. To properly solve this expression, one must adhere to the order of operations, often remembered using the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction).

    In the case of the alchemical formula, what was lacking were indicators¡ªsymbols that would signify the sequence in which each inner circle resonated with one another within the transmutation circle.

    Whether propelled subconsciously, by ego, or some other equally potent force, Daisuke instinctively began addressing the discrepancy, even before his conscious mind could fully grasp the task.

    Infuriated by what he perceived as vandalism, Reginald¡¯s rage manifested in a violent kick that sent Daisuke hurtling to the ground with a pained grunt.

    ¡°W-Wait! This is¡­ I can¡¯t believe it! You¡¯ve actually rectified the problem that¡¯s tormented me for years!¡±

    Rather than offering a formal apology for the unnecessary assault, Reginald¡¯s emotions shot toward elation instead. His visage contorted into an eccentric expression, a malevolent grin that stretched from ear to ear.

    With a contented huff, he unveiled the sheet covering the object nestled within the circle¡¯s center, revealing a disheveled and distressed woman. She was gagged and bounded by chains, her smudged cosmetics and tattered regal attire hinting at nobility.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in alarm, darting between Reginald, who seemed utterly absorbed in his own realm, and the woman, who seemed on the brink of death.

    ¡°This¡­ Wait! Who is she?¡±

    ¡°My mother,¡± came the response, delivered without an ounce of empathy. ¡°Or, at least, that¡¯s who she once was to me. Now, she¡¯s nothing but a contemptible woman who¡¯s plummeted from grace.

    If she hadn¡¯t left after the incident, my father might still be alive. The ease with which she abandoned us is proof enough that she¡¯s a harlot¡ªa parasitic presence who cares about nobody else but herself. It¡¯s only fitting that she pays for her transgressions with her wretched life.¡±

    Daisuke didn¡¯t argue.

    Instead, Sylvia¡¯s earlier comments about Reginald¡¯s tendency to use slaves as experimental subjects resurfaced in his mind. It was evident that, at this point in the man¡¯s existence, human life held little significance for him, particularly for those who had crossed him.

    While Daisuke cast a sympathetic gaze toward the woman, Reginald shot her one of disdain before pouring his energy into the transmutation circle. ¡°Give the king my regards¡­ when you see him in hell.¡±

    The woman¡¯s eyes widened with terror as the circle hummed to life, emanating a blinding light. Despite her gagged cries and frantic thrashing, her desperate will to survive proved futile against the unyielding restraints.

    Meanwhile, her son¡¯s cold heart remained unmoved, rejecting her very existence.

    Daisuke yelled at Reginald, pleading for him to reconsider, to have mercy, but his menacing guffaw pierced the air, overshadowing all but his own voice.

    When his mother was suddenly engulfed by an unholy fire that seared her flesh and twisted her humanity, Reginald finally swallowed his laugh. Wide, beady eyes watched the manifestation of his life¡¯s work with uncontrollably excitement.

    ¡°¡­I knew all along.¡±

    Daisuke rose to his feet as those words descended upon him like a dark curse. He slowly began stepping back toward the exit as a foul and sinister energy began rolling off the entity that was gradually taking shape in the circle.

    ¡°I was fully aware of your deception from the very beginning.¡±

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 24.4%

 CHAPTER 23: Shebaâ€™s Selfless Resolve

    Daisuke slowly rose to his feet, his pulse thundering in his veins at Reginald¡¯s ominous words. For a moment, the transmutation circle and the abomination it sculpted didn¡¯t matter. All he could think about was the wretched fate that awaited him and the others because they stepped out of line.

    ¡°I was fully aware of your deception from the very beginning,¡± confessed Reginald with a wicked smile. ¡°But I didn¡¯t mind; what intrigued me was the mysterious aura you exuded¡ªit was like you were an enigma, some sort of anomaly.

    You thought you were taking advantage of me, but I¡¯m afraid it was quite the other way around. I had a hunch that keeping you close would somehow lead to a breakthrough in my work. And,¡± he grinned widely as a fierce and beastly roar echoed from the materializing monster, ¡°it seems I was correct.¡±

    The man¡¯s final set of words entered Daisuke¡¯s ears in an undertone as he sprinted out the door and down the long corridor.

    Reginald, on the other hand, had no room for fear. He felt nothing but gratification for his creation, and was reassured that the master-slave dynamic woven into the transmutation formula would win him complete fealty of the chimera.

    A hearty chuckle erupted from his throat, his eyes gleaming with anticipation for the impending cataclysm he was destined to unleash upon the royal capital.

    ¡°Yes! I¡¯ve finally done it! You¡¯re the culmination of centuries¡¯ worth of blood, sweat, and research! Now I¡¯ll finally be able to show them! I¡¯ll let them regret the day they decided to tarnish my family¡¯s honor!¡±

    Standing at an imposing height of over two meters, the grotesque, humanoid creation loomed over its maker. Its visage resembled an unfathomable abyss, while a pair of blazing red eyes seethed with tangible fury.

    Whether fueled by the malice of Percival¡¯s mother, the collective loathing of his victims, or simply driven by the instincts of a mindless beast, the abomination surged forward in a grisly assault.

    Reginald¡¯s breath caught in his throat as he was forcefully knocked to the ground, pinned beneath the weight of a massive, spiny arm. Razor-sharp claws gradually tore into his flesh, piercing skin and muscle as the fiend exerted relentless pressure.

    ¡°Keuuugh!¡± Percival cried out in dismay. ¡°Wh-what are you doing?! I created you! I¡¯m your master, so why aren¡¯t you obeying me?! Uwwaahhhk!¡±

    A blood-curdling scream erupted from his throat as two rows of deadly teeth clamped down around his arm. With a wrenching pull of its thick, elongated neck, the limb began to tear at his elbow, sending waves of agony coursing through Reginald¡¯s body. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, his bulging eyes reflecting a maze of veins.

    CRICK-CRACK!

    The bone suddenly shattered, followed by the sickening sound of muscles, tendons, veins, flesh, and skin tearing apart like plastic. A geyser of blood erupted forth, baptizing the monster in a bitter twist of fate.

    Unyielding lines of terror and anguish creased Reginald¡¯s face as he frantically clutched his severed arm, attempting to stem the gushing blood. His complexion darkened as he peered into the dark abyss of the creature¡¯s maw, watching in horror as its blood-smeared teeth tore the limb to shreds before disappearing down its throat. Then the beast let out a hiss, fiery eyes locked onto the remaining arm of its squirming prey.

    ¡°Hiiiick!¡± Reginald squealed like a pig.

    All of a sudden, the beast snapped its head to the side. Its reptilian tail armed with spikes shot out like a whip to attack an uninvited guest. It let out a pained shriek, however, when the appendage was severed and fell limply to the ground.

    ¡°W-Winston!¡±

    The butler clicked his tongue discreetly. He¡¯s lost quite a bit of blood; I need to finish this quickly.

    The beast looked on, enraged by the injury, while Winston simply smoothed his slick, permed hair back into place, his expression dreary.

    His seemingly unassuming demeanor then transformed into that of a fierce warrior as he unsheathed a long knife concealed within his jacket. Without hesitation, he charged at the monstrous entity that Reginald¡¯s ambitions had brought forth. The clash was fierce, a dance of primal power against calculated precision.

    Again and again, Winston¡¯s blade met the armored scales coating the creature¡¯s chest, the resounding clangs resonating in the chamber.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    Winston frowned. I can¡¯t get through its armor.

    Undeterred, his eyes darted across the beast¡¯s hulking form, seeking vulnerabilities. A gap caught his attention¡ªa slender opening nestled between the protective plates at the base of the torso.

    Striking with a lethal focus, he aimed for the weak point. However, his knife¡¯s durability had waned from the previous flurry of attacks. The blade shattered upon impact against the unyielding leather that spanned between the scales.

    Time seemed to stretch as if suspended in a void. In that moment, Winston¡¯s fate was sealed. The fragments of stainless steel from his knife reflected his crumbling nonchalance.

    The sight of his body being torn asunder shimmered in Reginald¡¯s widened eyes, a haunting realization of the consequences of his actions.

    Suddenly, the creature¡¯s head snapped around, its expression ravenous as it closed in on its unfinished meal. Then, a gut-wrenching scream echoed from the heart of the lab, accompanied by the gruesome sounds of breaking bones and rending flesh.

    ***

    Thousands of miles away, a figure cloaked in shadows stood, extracting his sword from the eye socket of a lifeless corpse. As he stood amidst the aftermath of a bloody battle, a subtle disturbance resonated through the metaphysical vessel of his power, akin to ripples in a bowl.

    ¡°...One of my puppets just had its strings severed,¡± he mused with indifference, his gaze casually drifting to the side.

    ***

    Drunken eyes, a perverse smirk, brutish hands¡ªher mind trembled in recollection, yet her body remained frozen.

    Unwelcome words, suffocating closeness, and the blatant violation of her boundaries and innocence¡ªthese haunting memories surged through her mind like an unyielding tempest.

    Despite her efforts to quell them, they surged forth with an intensity akin to molten steel in a fiery forge, sending shivers of discomfort rippling through her body¡ªa constant reminder of the pain she longed to forget.

    Suddenly, amidst the turmoil, a pained scream shattered the suffocating silence, jolting Sheba from her nightmarish stupor.

    CRASH!

    The backdoor exploded open, unleashing chaos as two guards burst in, their faces contorted in terror. Around them, residents stirred from their slumber, their faces drained of color as the ghastly chorus of bones cracking and flesh tearing echoed through the night.

    One guard leaned against the door, desperation etched in his features. ¡°You fool!¡± he barked at the other man, his voice a desperate plea. ¡°Quickly, get something to block the¡ª¡±

    BOOOM!

    A second explosion rocked the room, sending shockwaves of panic rippling through the trembling onlookers. A monstrous arm burst through the door, seizing one of the guards in its deadly grasp and tearing him mercilessly through the splintered wood.

    As his agonized screams pierced the night, his sword tumbled to the ground, landing amidst the tense gathering of Beastfolk.

    The guards¡¯ scheme to unleash the chimera upon the slaves and flee now appeared nothing but a desperate fantasy. Aware of the folly of their plans, the remaining guard brandished his sword at the approaching beast, its menacing presence creeping closer with each passing moment.

    In the midst of his kin¡¯s panicked cries, an older Beastkin retrieved the sword and leveled it at the snarling creature.

    Under normal circumstances, the guard might have chained the slave to a post outside and lashed him in the presence of his people for his insubordination. But now, facing imminent danger, such distinctions were trivial. Death did not discriminate between races, and the guard knew this all too well.

    As the older Beastkin frantically scoured for any semblance of a weapon, Feng sprang into action. A single glance told him the odds were firmly stacked against them; opposing the beast wasn¡¯t a solution, but simply a distraction.

    He clicked his tongue in frustration when he realized that all the horses were paralyzed by fear. Dammit, they¡¯re pretty much useless in this state!

    ¡°Everyone!¡± his voice boomed, commanding attention. ¡°Get outside, now!¡±

    Driven by panic, they fled the building, leaving behind the valiant few who stood against the creature. As the building emptied in a panicked frenzy, Sheba¡¯s senses honed in on April¡¯s fallen form near the doorway.

    A flicker of crimson emanated from within the structure, signaling the advancing threat. Sheba¡¯s heart quickened, a heady mix of dread and determination coursing through her veins as she reminisced about her mother and siblings.

    Her gaze lingered on April, a silent vow echoing in her mind. She refused to let fear paralyze her again, knowing all too well the consequences of inaction. With a shaky breath, she ran forward, her steps fueled by a newfound resolve.

    As she reached April¡¯s side, the intensity of the creature¡¯s presence loomed closer, its ominous eyes piercing through the darkness.

    Sheba¡¯s pulse raced, her trembling hands reaching out to lift April from the ground. With a swift motion, she cradled the girl in her arms, a surge of protective instinct flooding her senses.

    Every fiber of her being screamed for escape as she bolted toward the others, yet she knew fleeing was futile. The creature¡¯s relentless pursuit echoed behind her, its presence a looming shadow.

    With a heavy heart, Sheba gently lowered April to the ground, her voice urgent yet tinged with sorrow as she urged the girl to run.

    ¡°B-But what about you?¡± April protested, her fingers clenched into defiant fists as tears welled up in her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯ll distract it while you escape with the others,¡± Sheba reassured with a smile. ¡°Please hurry! Run as fast as you can! There¡¯s not much time!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± April shouted stubbornly, her face turning red. ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡±

    Sheba¡¯s gaze shifted, finding solace in the sight of Aldric racing toward them to forcefully pull April to safety. With a fleeting moment to spare, she sought out Feng¡¯s eyes, a bittersweet smile playing upon her lips, conveying a blend of remorse and gratitude.

    In a hushed tone, she whispered, ¡°Find them for me.¡±

    Feng¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Sheba!¡± his cry pierced the chaos, determination propelling him forward. Yet his momentum faltered as the creature¡¯s limb descended like a blade, its lethal claws finding Sheba¡¯s vulnerable body.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 20.2%

 CHAPTER 24: Woeful Divide

    The roaring inferno that engulfed the manor painted a mesmerizing dance of flames against the pitch-black canvas of the night. Daisuke¡¯s back was aglow with the fiery hues, his frenzied sprint bringing him in the direction of the housebarn.

    He somehow had a feeling the distraction was no longer for the butler, but for the fiend that Reginald had let loose upon humankind.

    It was only after exiting through the eastern gate of the courtyard did Daisuke come to a startling realization. While he was busy setting fire to the kitchen, the beast had already located its next prey and abandoned the manor.

    His eyes widened in horror as he caught sight of Sheba up ahead, facing off against the fiend. Its claws and snout were stained with the fresh blood of its victims. Sheba stood with her arms extended protectively, April cowering in fear behind her.

    Before Daisuke could utter a single word or even form a coherent thought, a sudden eruption of blood filled the air. In that heart-stopping moment, time itself seemed to slow to a crawl. Amidst the crimson torrent, Sheba¡¯s presence dimmed, her life force slipping away.

    In those fleeting seconds before her light extinguished, her gaze found Daisuke¡¯s. Her fragile smile held a bittersweet mix of emotions¡ªa hint of relief, perhaps a subtle declaration that she could finally be free from a stain she had been unable to cleanse. It was a moment suspended in the swirling maelstrom of chaos, etching itself into Daisuke¡¯s memory as a poignant farewell.

    But the bloodbath wasn¡¯t over.

    April cried out in anguish, desperately trying to gather the bloody remains of her friend. It was a futile endeavor, and the beast now fixated its gaze on the despairing child.

    Before her life could be swiftly snuffed out, light footsteps and a pair of fluffy white ears emerged on the scene. April¡¯s eyes widened in shock as a familiar female enveloped her in a protective embrace, using her own body as a shield.

    ¡°B-Big Sister Mia!¡±

    M-Mia? Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. When did she¡­? Did she follow us here by trailing the Slave Traders?

    Driven by his unwavering sense of righteousness and chivalry, Aldric mirrored Sheba and Mia¡¯s act of self-sacrifice, positioning himself in front of the cowering girls. With both hands unfurled in a steadfast defense, he stood resolute against the encroaching threat.

    CLANG!

    The creature¡¯s monstrous claw collided with a sword, the resounding clash of metal against keratin echoing through the chaos.

    Feng had pried the weapon from the lifeless grip of the slave master¡¯s corpse, and in doing so, was able protect to the children from being cleaved in twain. Yet, as sparks ignited from the blade¡¯s contact, he realized the sword¡¯s limits were fast approaching.

    ¡°Go now!¡± his voice was strained with urgency, his gaze fierce as he held the creature at bay. ¡°I can¡¯t keep this up for much longer!¡±

    ¡°R-Right!¡± Aldric stammered, but managed to steady his grip on April and Mia¡¯s trembling forms despite his quivering legs and the chaos surrounding them.

    Keeping a firm hold on his bladder, he scanned the surrounding area. In the distance, he spotted Daisuke sprinting toward them, with Sylvia in swift pursuit.

    ¡°Haxks!¡± she called out from behind him.

    ¡°Sylvia?¡± Daisuke didn¡¯t look back but recognized her voice immediately. ¡°I need a favor!¡±

    ¡°Yes, anything!¡±

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    ¡°Do you know a safe place away from here?¡±

    Sylvia got an ominous feeling, but there was no time to ask questions. ¡°I only got caught and sold into slavery because I ran away from that safe place.¡±

    Without hesitation, Daisuke retrieved the hairpin he had taken from April, gripping it tightly as he launched himself at the monster with reckless abandon. The accessory met its target with lethal precision, plunging into the fiend¡¯s eye.

    The creature emitted a piercing howl, its massive frame convulsing in agony, but Daisuke clung on tenaciously, driving the hairpin deeper. ¡°Take the kids and go!¡± he bellowed without looking back. ¡°Feng, you know what to do! Protect them!¡±

    The Wolfkin clicked his tongue ruefully, casting one last glance at Sheba¡¯s motionless form before resigning himself to the task at hand. Don¡¯t worry, he muttered inwardly, determination burning in his eyes. I¡¯ll keep my promise to find them, even if it¡¯s the last thing I do.

    Throwing April over his shoulder like a barbarian, he began running toward the edge of the forest while Sylvia and Mia herded the rest of the kids behind him.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t die!¡± implored Mia tearfully, her voice trembling with emotion. ¡°Come and find us, no matter what!¡±

    ¡°Big Brother!¡± April cried out, her small fists pounding on Feng¡¯s shoulder blades in a frantic plea. ¡°No! Stop! Put me down! Haxks! We have to help Big Brother Haxks!¡±

    Aldric¡¯s jaw clenched, his shoulders hunched in frustration and guilt. Yet, it was Sylvia, eyes brimming with sorrow as they met Daisuke¡¯s, who broke the grip of indecision. Her hand found its place on the small of the boy¡¯s back, gently guiding him into the sheltering shadows of the forest.

    Daisuke allowed a twisted smile. He may have allowed everyone to escape, but he had absolutely no intention of surrendering his life to the miserable beast.

    His gaze swept over the fading figures of April, Mia, and the unmoving Sheba. Even as he allowed himself a fleeting sidelong glance, he kept clinging onto the thrashing monster, a vengeful rage burning inside him.

    Suddenly, his grip tightened around the hairpin, and with a resounding roar, he summoned every ounce of his strength to wrench the bloodied weapon free and thrust it into the creature¡¯s remaining eye.

    Kicking his feet off the monster¡¯s chest, Daisuke dropped and rolled on the ground before launching into a full-on sprint into the dense forest.

    Without eyesight, you¡¯ll have to depend on your sense of smell to track me down. And I¡¯ve got a plan for that.

    Wasting no time, Daisuke grabbed a fistful of his shirt, intending to rip and scatter its fragments along the forest floor. However, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t tear it. Instead, his face turned blue and then purple. ¡°What the hell is this fabric made of¡ªKevlar?¡±

    RAWRRR!

    Daisuke¡¯s heart thundered. From the concealing shadows of the undergrowth, the monster lunged, a grotesque form hurtling toward him. In a split-second decision, he dropped and slid beneath it, barely escaping the ravenous jaws that snapped inches from his face.

    The creature reeled its body around the moment its limbs touched the ground. Driven by its heightened sense of smell, its head snapped around, already locking onto its retreating target.

    Each ragged breath that tore from Daisuke¡¯s lungs felt like bile. Foliage and twigs crunched underfoot, a jutting branch sliced his cheek. Every swaying tree branch and shadow looked menacing.

    He navigated the frightening expanse of the ominous woods, using slivers of moonlight that filtered through the tangled canopy to guide his desperate retreat.

    But the predator was persistent; running on all fours to quickly narrow the distance between it and a hearty meal. The beast poised for a lethal lunge, its instincts honing in on the bundle of scent that marked its prey. Yet, in that critical moment, it detected a swift flicker of movement¡ªa disruption that crashed into it like a battering ram.

    Daisuke snapped his head back. He felt a presence and heard the chaotic commotion¡ªsnapping teeth, ferocious tussles, and the whimpers and hollering of a canine.

    Just a second too late, he failed to watch his step. His body lurched over the edge of a precipice, hurtling down a steep incline. Helpless, he collided with plants and shrubs, desperately searching for something to grasp onto, but nothing could impede his momentum.

    Suddenly, his head collided with a rock, his eyelids growing heavy as darkness enveloped his senses, and he slipped swiftly into unconsciousness.

    ***

    Under the cover of night, in the aftermath of the flames that had consumed the manor, a shadowy figure moved through the smoldering wreckage. The hooded figure, a relative of Reginald¡¯s, followed an unseen trail that led to the concealed entrance of a hidden chamber.

    Amid the chaotic backdrop of soldiers investigating the fire¡¯s devastation and the grim discovery of lifeless bodies, the figure ventured into the dark unknown with undisguised confidence.

    With gloved hands, the man deftly brushed aside debris, revealing the remnants of a grimoire, its empty pages scorched and tattered by the flames.

    Suddenly, a chilling smile etched itself upon his concealed visage, a sinister curl of lips that foretold of a malevolent agenda.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 16%

 CHAPTER 25: Manâ€™s Best Friend(?)

    ¡°Aghhh,¡± Daisuke groaned, his eyes flickering open as awareness dawned within him. He hesitantly touched the spot where his head met the rock, frowning at the tender bump that dwelled there.

    As the fog in his mind cleared, like the morning mist exposed to the light of the rising sun, a flurry of memories came crashing forth, particularly the one where the chimera¡¯s fangs narrowly missed his face.

    Jarred awake by the harrowing visual, he attempted to push to his feet, but a throbbing pain echoed through him. He noted that his ankle was sprained, rendering him a wounded animal for opportunistic predators.

    Crawling on his stomach, he made his way to the sheltering arms of a nearby tree. With his back pressed against its solid trunk, he sat upright, gazing out into the unforgiving forest.

    Daisuke tousled his hair, careful to avoid the bump. Damn. Was I really lying unconscious here until morning? And I didn¡¯t get gobbled up by a monster? What about the chimera? Did it die from its wounds?

    He took a moment to look around.

    The croon of birds and other wildlife could be heard all around. The landscapes were tinted with a saffron glow from the recently risen sun. From where he sat, Daisuke could see where the dense forest gradually transitioned into an open plain. And the humid air hinted at a nearby water source.

    Did April and the others get away safely? he thought with a tinge of worry. I think I distracted the chimera long enough for that to be the case, and Feng should be capable of handling the low-level mobs in this region. But for a noob like me, it¡¯s a completely different playing field.

    Daisuke looked down at his incapacitated leg and felt like he had stepped in a towering pile of dog poop. If a monster turned up right there and then, he would definitely be easy prey.

    GRUMBLE~

    The best-case scenario seemed to be starving to death rather than enduring the gruesome fate of being eaten alive, an experience he shuddered to contemplate. However, the reality was far harsher than mere resolve.

    Minutes stretched into hours, days, and then two excruciating days, each passing moment worsening his hunger. He wasn¡¯t sure about the game¡¯s mechanics, but in the real world, a human could survive at least two weeks without food, but only three days without water.

    He contemplated crawling around in search of the nearby water source he sensed, but abandoning what he now perceived as a safe refuge to do so was basically looking for trouble.

    Withered and on the brink of dehydration, Daisuke¡¯s thoughts turned bleak. What did I do to deserve this? Did I truly enslave and slaughter an entire race of people in my past life? I¡¯ve sacrificed so much, only to be abandoned and left for dead in the end. How is any of this fair to me?

    His eyes grew dark, the once empathetic gleam slowly replaced by anger and resentment. Just as his heart threatened to freeze over entirely, a tiny canine cautiously approached. It was injured and limping, its matted coat as tattered as the rags that clung to Daisuke¡¯s own body.

    ¡°Get lost,¡± Daisuke muttered coldly as the small pup, no larger than a baby Shih Tzu, gazed up at him with hopeful eyes. ¡°I said scram! I can hardly manage myself, let alone take on another mouth to feed.¡±

    When the animal¡­ monster¡ªwhatever, stubbornly refused to leave, Daisuke reluctantly hurled a rock in its direction, an act he instantly regretted as it drained the last of his energy reserves.

    The pup whimpered softly before turning tail and darting away into the shadows. With the creature finally gone, Daisuke was left with the bleak choice of either resigning himself to wither away in peace or summoning the strength to seek out water and likely get eaten alive in the process.

    The sun was directly overhead now.

    Daisuke looked up through the tree branches, shielding his eyes from the sunbeams. He tried moistening his parched lips, but even the saliva on his tongue had almost dried out.

    Barely an hour later, the pup reappeared. Despite its evident fatigue and injury, it had the hind leg of a Horned Rabbit in its small jaws, strenuously dragging the motionless game toward the stranger who had been less than hospitable.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes quivered. ¡°You¡­ and even though I¡­ Argh!¡± he tousled his hair aggressively, utterly ashamed. ¡°Goddammit. I really don¡¯t like being indebted to anyone. I guess you can stick around until I pay you back.¡±

    The tiny canine barked once, as if in glee, and then it collapsed with a whine.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Daisuke threw himself forward. ¡°Are you all right?¡±

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    It whimpered.

    ¡°Jeez, you sure know how to guilt trip a poor guy.¡±

    The tiny tyke weakly licked the hand that tenderly patted its head.

    ¡°I have to say though, it¡¯s pretty impressive that you were able to bag this thing in your current state.¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu.¡±

    ¡°Are you lost? Do you have an owner?¡±

    The canine lowered its head, round, oceanic eyes peeking up from beneath its lashes.

    ¡°Mmm. I guess not.¡±

    The pup closed its eyes and exhaled.

    ¡°We¡¯re both in pretty bad shape,¡± Daisuke said over the sound of his grumbling stomach. Then, he glanced at the bloodied pooch. ¡°You brought the ingredients, so I¡¯ll go round us up some grub.¡±

    Inspecting his ankle, he gave it a cautious tap on the ground before testing it with a bit of pressure. It doesn¡¯t seem like it was a very bad sprain.

    During the two and a half days of his stranded ordeal, it seemed his injury had considerably healed. After nourishing his body with food and hydration, he felt optimistic that the surge of energy would accelerate the healing process.

    While the pup rested, Daisuke hopped around, searching until he found a quartzite stone that fitted perfectly in his hand. Satisfied, he squirreled it away in his pocket before setting about collecting larger rocks and arranging them in a circle.

    Next came the task of gathering firewood and tinder, a relatively simple feat at the forest¡¯s edge. Once he had a sufficient pile, Daisuke carefully arranged the wood within the rock circle. Finally, he sharpened his quartzite stone into a blade using a large slab of granite, and then took a length of wood and fashioned a spindle.

    Applying what he learned as a scout, Daisuke expertly generated coal with the spindle and hearth board. Then he carefully transferring it to the tinder nestled within the house of wood. With a spark and a hiss, the flames ignited, casting a warm glow on his face.

    While the flames matured, Daisuke set to work on the Horned Rabbit. He flayed and cleaned the creature, dividing it neatly into two halves before skewering them onto a sturdy tree branch. Finally, he placed it over the fire.

    Daisuke chuckled wryly, the crackling flames raging hotter as he added more wood. ¡°Man, it¡¯s moments like these that I¡¯m grateful for my time as a boy scout. But starting a fire like a caveman in a fantasy world? Never saw that coming. I¡¯d kill to have some fire magic right about now.¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu.¡±

    The scent of cooking meat wafted through the air, stirring the pup from its slumber. With a sudden burst of energy, it sprang awake, its nose twitching and eyes sparkling with anticipation. Daisuke couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the sight.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably going to be gamey and bland,¡± he warned. ¡°But it definitely beats starving to death.¡±

    With not much meat on the Horned Rabbit except for the leg quarter, it didn¡¯t take long for it to cook thoroughly. As soon as it was placed on a bed of leaves, the pup attacked its half like a crazed beast.

    Daisuke was quick to pull his fingers away, realizing he would have lost them if he had hesitated even for one-tenth of a second longer.

    ¡°That bad, huh?¡± he murmured as he pulled his half from the fire. Separating the leg from the thigh, he took a bite, tears welling up in his eyes as he savored the flavor. ¡°Delicious! They weren¡¯t kidding when they said food tastes better when you¡¯re starving!¡±

    Mirroring the canine¡¯s ravenous frenzy, Daisuke wolfed down his share of the food, relishing every morsel until not a crumb remained.

    With a discontented sigh, he sucked on the leg bone that was completely stripped bare. He still had room for two more servings, but at least he no longer felt that painful emptiness at the pit of his stomach.

    Abruptly, the pup ceased gnawing on the leg bone it had saved for last, its ears perking up with evident alarm. Daisuke didn¡¯t need words to understand the urgency of the situation.

    RAWRRR!

    A lone ogre barreled from the edge of the forest, wielding a massive club with a grip that could have wrapped around a tree trunk. Its thick, sinewy arm swung the weapon in a menacing arc, the sheer force of its movements stirring the air around it.

    The creature¡¯s hulking green form was barely contained by a crude loin cloth that struggled to conceal its massive bulk, leaving little to the imagination.

    Without a moment¡¯s pause, the pup dashed off, its urgent bark a clear call to action. Despite the lingering ache in every step, Daisuke followed without hesitation.

    Dammit, it must have been the smell of the food that drew it here. I should have been more cautious, he cursed inwardly, regret gnawing at him as he hurried after the fleeing canine.

    Under ordinary circumstances, the pup would have headed to a secluded spot by the lake for a drink, but this time it didn¡¯t. The lake served as a popular watering hole for monsters, meaning open areas would be under constant surveillance by predators.

    ¡°!?¡±

    ¡°Kiieek?¡±

    ¡°Kheke?¡±

    A group of goblins stood at the water¡¯s edge. They raised their weapons in defense, but Daisuke and the pup darted past them, plunging into the lake.

    The goblins looked on, befuddled, but their beady eyes bulged when they spotted the ogre hurtling at them like a bowling ball aimed at a pin rack.

    POOWW!

    ¡°Kiiiieeehhhk!¡±

    Ignoring their desperate cries, Daisuke and the pup crossed the lake to the other shore and sprawled out on the grass, desperately gasping for breath.

    ¡°Well,¡± he panted, his chest heaving. ¡°At least I¡¯m not thirsty anymore.¡±

    ¡°Whine.¡±

    ¡°I see how you were able to nab that rabbit now; you¡¯re pretty light on your feet there, boy. Oh, I know. I¡¯ll call you Zephyr. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Kyuu,¡± the pup stood and wagged its tail.

    ¡°It¡¯s decided, then. Huh?¡±

    In the distance, Daisuke spied light reflecting off a blue object. Cautiously closing the distance to investigate, he discovered a limestone outcrop. But what truly caught his attention were the clumps of blue rocks that were hidden amongst the brush.

    ¡°Are these¡­ crystals?¡±

    The pup went in for a sniff while Daisuke ran his hand along the rough-hewn surfaces that protruded like miniature spires.

    ¡°¡­I have a feeling our luck is about to turn, boy,¡± he said with sparkling eyes, his heart racing in excitement. ¡°We just may be able to sell these, but the question is where? I haven¡¯t the foggiest idea where we are.¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu,¡± Zephyr chimed in, zipping around in a circle before scurrying farther away from the lake.

    Daisuke followed, the trees and tangled undergrowth gradually giving way to a panoramic view ahead. As the natural curtain parted, the expanse revealed a sizable town nestled in the distance.

    Cradled within the embrace of a valley, the town sprawled against the backdrop of towering mountains that stood as ancient guards to its peaceful existence.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 11.8%

 CHAPTER 26: The Merchantsâ€™ Guild

    THUNK-THUNK.

    The wooden bridge creaked and groaned as Daisuke crossed the moat that surrounded the town. The lofty walls were more imposing up close, their impressive shadows stretching far and wide on the ground.

    ¡°Welcome to Wonderelle,¡± one of the two sentry guards greeted warmly.

    Wonderelle. According to the atlas, it¡¯s in the Arcanium Kingdom¡ªthe one that banished and condemned the Percivals.

    Pushing the unpleasant thought aside, Daisuke stepped onto the cobblestone streets of the town, surrounded by medieval-style houses that exuded an air of history and charm.

    At the heart of the town sprawled the bustling central plaza, a hub of activity where players streamed in and out of the ?Gate?¡ªan ogee-shaped structure featuring a swirling blue vortex, offering instantaneous teleportation to distant realms.

    Because the game promoted free roam and preferred if players explored the open world, it only allowed users to teleport free once per month. Otherwise, they had to pay an exorbitant amount of gold for the fee.

    From the central hub, busy districts radiated outwards, alive with the constant movement of horse-drawn wagons loaded with foods and other supplies, and carriages that transported nobles and merchants.

    Market stalls lined the thoroughfares, the shopkeepers energetically advertising their varied wares to passersby. Among the crowd, a mix of people from different races and species mingled animatedly. Clad in an array of armor, some practical and others ornate, they painted a vibrant picture of diversity.

    Zephyr¡¯s nose twitched as something delightful coaxed his olfactory receptors. Wafting on the wind was a m¨¦lange of aromas, ranging from the enticing fragrance of freshly cooked food to the alluring scents of various cosmetics and perfumes.

    He couldn¡¯t identify any of them.

    But there was one smell in particular that was especially attractive, and he salivated in response.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Daisuke exclaimed as the canine¡¯s head popped out from the V of his shirt. He had suggested that Zephyr hid in his clothes because he wasn¡¯t sure what the law on animals¡­ monsters¡ªwhatever, was in the town.

    ¡°Kyuu~¡±

    Daisuke grinned when he noted the pup¡¯s excited animation, its tongue finding its way outside its mouth in a ravenous pant as they were about to pass a stall hosting the enticing smell.

    ¡°Oi, my boy,¡± the shopkeeper called upon spying the canine¡¯s open enthusiasm. ¡°Your little friend here knows quality barbecue when he smells it! Here¡¯s a sample; a token of my appreciation!¡±

    The culinary genius held a perfectly cooked cutlet of barbecue pork in front of Zephyr¡¯s nose, teasing, suffocating him with a blast of the heady scent.

    The pup looked to Daisuke for permission, beaming with glee when he nodded with a smile. Almost immediately, Zephyr tilted his head back and opened his mouth, happily accepting the shopkeeper¡¯s kind offer.

    He chewed passionately, relishing the unfamiliar and delicious blend of seasonings and sauces that defined the chef¡¯s unique recipe.

    The man hugged his chest and grinned with evident triumph. ¡°It¡¯s always a pleasure to serve those who can tell good quality with but a single whiff of the nose. And you¡¯re no exception, little guy.¡±

    ¡°Kyuu~¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Mister,¡± Daisuke said with a wave.

    ¡°No problem! Be sure to come by again; there will always be free samples for you and your friend!¡±

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    While Zephyr was busy trying to lick the remains of barbecue sauce from his nose, Daisuke was busy looking up at the Merchants¡¯ Guild signboard while deliberating.

    I¡¯ve been stuck within the game for a few years now, and during all that time, I haven¡¯t been able to pull out a console like a normal player would. That leads me to one conclusion: I¡¯m probably an NPC.

    Surreptitious gazes and whispers among finely dressed men and women arrested the lobby area of the guild. The merchants who were once engrossed with broadening their network and sharing information were now glancing at the silver-haired boy who was dressed in rags.

    What business could such a degenerate have in a fine establishment like the Merchants¡¯ Guild?

    Ignoring their glowering, Daisuke proceeded toward the front desk. Zephyr had already hidden himself again.

    As opposed to players who respawn indefinitely after death, NPCs only have one life. Does that same law apply to me? I can¡¯t be sure, which is why I¡¯ve mostly been refraining from putting my life on the line.

    Instead of becoming an adventurer, I¡¯ll become a merchant and use that wealth to lead a comfortable life. In time, I would also have the resources to find and help April and the others¡ªand I may as well try to figure out what happened to me while I¡¯m at it.

    ¡°Hello,¡± the female clerk greeted with a bright smile. ¡°How may I be of service to you today?¡±

    The choice of words had Daisuke fleetingly taking a glimpse at the woman¡¯s generous bust. ¡°Hi. I would like to register for the guild.¡±

    ¡°Certainly. Have you ever been a part of the Merchant¡¯s Guild?¡±

    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°In that case, please allow me to give you a brief rundown of the process,¡± she said courteously while resting a large old book on the counter. ¡°The Merchants¡¯ Guild is a private entity that isn¡¯t affiliated with any country, church, or organization. We are completely neutral and focused entirely on enriching our members.¡±

    Her neatly manicured finger hovered over the timeworn page of the book. ¡°As you can see, there are five ranks in the Merchants¡¯ Guild.¡±

    Daisuke skimmed over the chart.

    <u>Merchants¡¯ Guild Rankings:</u>

    1<sup>st</sup> ? Adamantium Rank:

    For Prestigious Trading Empires (with numerous branches)

    Enrollment Fee: 8 Gold Coins

    Annual Fee/Tax: Calculated based on branch count

    2<sup>nd</sup> ? Orichalcum Rank:

    Suitable for Mid-Scale Trading Houses (with multiple branches) Enrollment Fee: 4 Gold Coins

    Annual Fee/Tax: Calculated based on branch count

    3<sup>rd</sup> ? Mithril Rank:

    Ideal for Small-Scale Trading Ventures (reasonably sizable enterprises)

    Enrollment Fee: 2 Gold Coins

    Annual Fee: 5 Gold Coins

    Annual Tax: 10 Gold Coins

    4<sup>th</sup> ? Gold Rank:

    Suited for Independent Establishments (such as roadside apparel or produce shops)

    Enrollment Fee: 1 Gold Coin

    Annual Fee: 2 Gold Coins

    Annual Tax: 4 Gold Coins

    5<sup>th</sup> ? Silver Rank:

    Appropriate for Traveling Merchants and Street Vendors (lacking physical premises)

    Enrollment Fee: 5 Silver Coins

    Annual Fee: 1 Gold Coin

    Annual Tax: 2 Gold Coins

    ¡°Your yearly fees, business type, and size will be determined by your rank,¡± the woman continued. ¡°Do you have any questions?¡±

    ¡°Not yet.¡±

    ¡°In that case, what kind of venture do you plan to establish?¡±

    Daisuke rubbed his chin in thought. I don¡¯t have any appraising abilities, so I¡¯m not sure what the crystals are worth. The guild would likely only buy them at market price, but if they¡¯re a rare commodity, players might pay more. Right now, what I need most is information.

    ¡°I won¡¯t have much of a physical store at the get-go, so I guess I¡¯ll be starting off as a street-side vendor.¡±

    ¡°Then it appears the introductory Silver Rank would be the most suitable choice for you,¡± informed the clerk as she slipped him a piece of parchment with a feathered pen. ¡°Please go ahead and fill out this application form.¡±

    Daisuke complied and handed back the document as instructed.

    ¡°Perfect,¡± the woman said after verifying the information. ¡°Now then, Haxks¡­ to complete your enrollment, all I will need is the registration fee of five silver coins.¡±

    Before entering the town, Daisuke discreetly moved the coin purse from its secure strap on his inner thigh into his pocket. It held the entirety of the hard-earned loot he had accumulated from various odd jobs around Dusthaven to eventually bring his mother to see a doctor.

    Hesitantly, he poured out the ominously light contents of the purse into his hand and breathed a sigh of relief when he counted five silver and three copper pieces. A trembling hand handed over his life¡¯s savings to the clerk.

    ¡°Thank you. Please wait here a moment.¡±

    As she stepped aside, a short, elderly woman came up to the counter from the backdoor.

    ¡°What is she doing?¡± Daisuke asked her curiously.

    ¡°She¡¯s creating your ID card and registering it on the Merchants¡¯ Guild magic network. This allows you to use it at any one of our guild locations worldwide.¡±

    ¡°Whoa~¡±

    ¡°By the way,¡± the woman began, her eyes narrowed shrewdly. ¡°What is it that you have in your clothes?¡±

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 7.6%

 CHAPTER 27: The Crystal Field

    Daisuke felt a bead of sweat forming on his brow, but he concluded that telling a lie might create a worse first impression than admitting to harboring a pet. Almost as if on cue, Zephyr¡¯s tiny head popped out, looking endearingly innocent.

    ¡°This is¡­ my friend, Zephyr.¡±

    ¡°Oiyah?¡± the woman examined the pup that was obviously a manner of beast Daisuke hadn¡¯t seemed to have properly identified. ¡°A friend you say¡­¡±

    ¡°Mr. Starfrost,¡± the clerk interjected. ¡°Are you, by any chance, from a small remote village?¡±

    ¡°Umm, yeah¡­ but how did you know?¡±

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re not currently documented in the ?Global Census Register?. It¡¯s not uncommon for people living in rural areas to have this problem. Unfortunately, you will need to pay a compulsory service fee for that process before I can issue you your card.¡±

    Daisuke and his three copper pieces paled at this untimely news. ¡°And how much is the service charge?¡±

    ¡°¡­One silver,¡± the woman said regrettably.

    Damn, just my luck. ¡°I-Is it possible to arrange a payment plan?¡±

    ¡°Pff!¡± someone who was discreetly eavesdropping on the conversation struggled to hold in a laugh. ¡°A payment plan for just one silver?¡±

    ¡°Ha-ha! Just what kind of merchant are you?¡±

    ¡°Bahahaha!¡±

    Laughter erupted throughout the entire lobby.

    The clerk shrunk back, her smile awkward.

    Daisuke¡¯s shoulders hunched, his body trembling with embarrassment. But despite the blatant mockery, he held the woman¡¯s gaze firmly, refusing to back down. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for putting you on the spot, but I really need this¡ªplease¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry, but we don¡¯t offer any services on credit.¡±

    ¡°I-I have a product I can sell; you can take the difference from the sale.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but without your ID, the guild cannot engage in any form of business transactions with you.¡±

    The merchants were still laughing, but Daisuke persisted. This was an important juncture in his life; if not now, then when would he make any kind of progress?

    ¡°Can you at least tell me what this is?¡± he asked, pulling out a shimmering blue shard from his pocket.

    ¡°We only provide appraisal services to our members¡ª¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± the old woman said in a calm undertone, yet the clerk and all the merchants fell quiet. ¡°I will personally allow and oversee the payment plan.¡±

    ¡°Pff!¡±

    The elder shot the man a penetrating gaze, and he immediately fell silent, swallowing the laugh. All the other merchants looked away nervously.

    ¡°G-Guildmaster?!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened at the clerk¡¯s exclamation. ¡°Guildmaster? Then she¡¯s¡­¡±

    Fingers laced behind her back, the tiny woman peeked out from a single eye, glancing from the silver-haired boy to his canine companion. ¡°Now then, I expect you to keep your word and follow through with the agreement.¡±

    ¡°O-Of course!¡± Daisuke responded with a ninety-degree bow. ¡°Thank you so much!¡±

    More than half of the merchants could be heard clicking their tongues, and a few even dared to scowl.

    The woman turned on her heels to leave. I could have simply paid the silver myself, but I¡¯m curious what those two will look like the next time I see them. ¡°Now then, go ahead and take care of the rest, Jean.¡±

    ¡°Yes, of course,¡± the girl said with a polite bow before turning back to her customer. ¡°Here is your ID,¡± she offered the metallic card that was roughly the same size as a real-world credit card. ¡°This will also act as your passport and will make it that much easier to access other towns and cities.¡±

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Daisuke accepted the card with both hands.

    ¡°As for the payment plan, the first will be due at the end of the month with a twenty-five percent interest rate. If you¡¯re incapable of paying everything upfront, then monthly installments can be negotiated.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Jean returned with a smile, then she gestured at the shard still sitting on the counter. ¡°You wanted information on this shard, correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes, please.¡±

    ¡°Sorry if I came off as a bit rude earlier¡­¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine,¡± Daisuke waved dismissively. ¡°Your supervisor was watching; it would have been stranger if you didn¡¯t go by the book while she was present.¡±

    The woman smiled coyly. ¡°T-Thank you for understanding.¡±

    ***

    ¡°Hey, brother,¡± called a man in a friendly tone the moment Daisuke stepped outside the guild. ¡°Did I hear you say you were planning on setting up shop in town?¡±

    Daisuke glanced around, confirming that he was indeed the one being addressed. ¡°Um, yes?¡± he responded tentatively.

    ¡°In that case, it would probably be in your best interest to consider our services.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed suspiciously. He didn¡¯t care before, but now he was carefully scrutinizing the lazy-eyed man, looking for signs of treachery. ¡°And what kind of services might that be?¡±

    ¡°¡­Protection.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°¡­You mean extortion.¡±

    A broad, almost intimidating smile spread across the man¡¯s lips. ¡°Wonderelle is undoubtedly a beautiful and flourishing town,¡± he declared, his tone businesslike, ¡°but with prosperity comes a certain unsavory element¡ªthieves and gangs that the soldiers don¡¯t always have the numbers or resources to apprehend.

    However, our organization possesses a unique set of skills perfectly tailored for dealing with such troublemakers. By investing in our highly affordable services, you can ensure the seamless operation of your business without any interference.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Daisuke said, his tone sour, ¡°but I¡¯m pretty sure I can¡¯t afford it.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a shame,¡± the man uttered in a monotone, his eyes unreadable as he watched the boy leave.

    ***

    ¡°Rawrwu~¡±

    ¡°Daisuke gently patted Zephyr¡¯s head, a grateful smile spreading across his face. ¡°You¡¯ve been amazing leading us back here without any unwanted monster encounters. Who needs a repel potion when we¡¯ve got your awesome nose?¡±

    ¡°Kiyuu-Kiyuu~¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s expression hardened as he walked up to the shrubs that concealed the precious merchandise. According to Jean from the Merchants¡¯ Guild, we¡¯ve stumbled upon what¡¯s known as a ?Crystal Field?. Apparently, this phenomenon could sometimes be found inside or by the entrances of normal or ?Hidden Dungeons? and was one of the primary indicators people used when trying to spot the cave from a distance.

    The crystals themselves are called ?Mana Crystals?, and could only be acquired from Crystal Fields or monsters inside of dungeons. It was strange that monsters on the surface weren¡¯t embedded with them.

    Climbing a nearby tree, Daisuke found a thick branch that was almost twice the girth of his forearm. Using a sharpened rock, he painstakingly hacked away at the one-meter-tall limb until it fell, just narrowly missing Zephyr on the ground.

    ¡°Rawr!¡±

    Daisuke laughed at his harmless growl. ¡°My bad, I didn¡¯t see you there.¡±

    Removing the leaves and tapering one end of the wood, Daisuke used it as a crude pickaxe of sorts to dig around the edges of the Mana Crystal. Then he drove the makeshift tool underneath it and began pushing down with all his might. Zephyr was almost as light as a feather, but he helped too.

    One. Two. Three. Push.

    PLOP!

    The cluster of crystals soared into a high arch before falling to the ground, prompting triumphant glances between Daisuke and Zephyr.

    ¡°This is all thanks to you, buddy,¡± Daisuke roughly caressed the pup¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯d be beef jerky for some lucky monster right now if you didn¡¯t help me.¡±

    ¡°Kyuu~¡±

    With an ecstatic smile, Daisuke walked over to the football-sized chunk of crystal and took it into both hands. ¡°So, this is a Mana Crystal,¡± he said, trying to assume the weight. ¡°It feels light considering all the trouble I went through prying it loose from the ground.¡±

    Concealing the crystal with the hide of the Horned Rabbit, Daisuke started on his way back to town. According to Jean, the base cost for Mana Crystals is around ninety silver per ounce. I¡¯ve only had one opportunity to spend money in the game, so I can¡¯t be sure how reasonable that sounds.

    Anyway, I need to keep my standard of living at the bare minimum and invest all the money into starting up my business. After selling the Mana Crystals, I need to study the market and decide what¡¯s the best product to supply.

    ¡°Hey, Big Brother!¡± a little girl with ruby red eyes and pink, short-cropped hair called exuberantly from a distance, her arms dangling behind her back like Sonic the Hedgehog as she ran up to him. ¡°My mom said I¡¯m supposed to give this to you.¡±

    ¡°Your mom?¡± Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as the girl extended a meat and vegetable kebab toward him. Following her gesture, he glanced up to see a lovely woman waving from behind her food stand in the distance.

    Daisuke smiled warmly.

    ¡°She said you looked poor and hungry.¡±

    ¡°Argh!¡± an arrow labeled ¡®shame¡¯ struck his heart.

    ¡°Before you consider becoming a thief, I just want you to know there is great reward in honest labor.¡±

    ¡°Heok!¡± this time it was an arrow of ¡®guilt¡¯ in the brain.

    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ painfully honest, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    The girl beamed.

    With a crooked smile, Daisuke tucked his cargo underneath his arm and accepted the gift. He didn¡¯t notice the fleeting moment the little girl¡¯s expression changed as she stole a glimpse at the Mana Crystal hidden within the hide.

    At the smell of food, Zephyr¡¯s head popped out of Daisuke¡¯s clothes like a gopher emerging from its den.

    ¡°Uwaaa~¡± the little girl¡¯s eyes glittered like lanterns. ¡°He¡¯s so adorable! Is he yours?¡±

    Daisuke nodded awkwardly.

    ¡°C-Can I pet him?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Zephyr.¡±

    She giggled softly. ¡°That¡¯s a great name.¡±

    As soon as she caressed the canine¡¯s head, her mother started calling and she twirled around playfully.

    ¡°Bye, Big Brother,¡± she said over her shoulder. ¡°Bye Zephyr! Let¡¯s play together next time, kay.¡±

    Daisuke waved his kebab in the direction of the mother to show his appreciation, and then he was off.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 3.4%

 CHAPTER 28: The Path to Becoming Civil

    ¡°$7-7,200 silver?!¡± Daisuke exclaimed in a matchbox of a room.

    Jean scratched her cheek with an awkward smile, but she did her best to maintain her decorum. ¡°Y-Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±

    Matters warranting utmost confidentiality were moved into secure, soundproof rooms reinforced with magic. It was important that merchants felt secure and safe while conducting business with the guild.

    Sitting across the table from Daisuke, Jean looked down at the ?Magic Scale? again to verify the numbers. ¡°$7,200 silver coins are equivalent to approximately seventy-two gold. After a six percent sales tax, your final total amounts to sixty-seven gold and sixty-eight silver.¡±

    Daisuke swallowed, his eyes quivering as she slid the total amount of gold coins across the table to him that were arranged in a neat stack. He still didn¡¯t have a comprehensive grip on the value of money, but he had a feeling seventy-two gold was a lot.

    ¡°Did you deduct the silver that I owe from it?¡±

    Jean shook her head. ¡°No, the written agreement is that it wouldn¡¯t be due until the end of the month. Until then, be sure to spend wisely.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ***

    ¡°First things first,¡± Daisuke declared, his eyes drawn to the hanging signpost of the shoe and apparel store. ¡°Nobody¡¯s ever going to take me seriously dressed like this. As they say, the clothes make the man.¡±

    With a jingle, the door announced his arrival, and he was promptly greeted by the establishment¡¯s owner¡ªa figure adorned in a remarkable outfit, topped by an even more impressive mustache.

    The man¡¯s gaze raked over Daisuke with skepticism, a quick assumption of a window shopper or potential thief apparent in his scrutiny¡ªlikely both. ¡°Are you certain you¡¯ve located the proper establishment?¡± he said by means of introduction.

    ¡°Well, based on your manners, I¡¯m beginning to question that myself,¡± Daisuke retorted, flashing his coin purse with a certain theatrical flair.

    The transformation in the shopkeeper¡¯s demeanor was notable, his carefully coiled mustache unraveling in a rush of enthusiasm. ¡°Oh! My apologies, Sir,¡± he bowed with a humbled tilt, his hands coming together in eager anticipation. ¡°Welcome to Harrington Threads. How may I be of service?¡±

    Daisuke regarded him blandly, pokerfaced. It¡¯s amazing how quickly his tune changed the moment he saw some money. ¡°I¡¯m a merchant looking for something comfortable yet formal enough that I¡¯m taken seriously. What do you recommend?¡±

    ¡°Ah, indeed. We are certain to have just the ensemble for such an occasion. Please, right this way.¡±

    It took some time, but like the money-driven merchant promised, Daisuke eventually emerged from the establishment, a neatly folded bag clasped in his hand.

    By the time he stepped outside, the sun was already dipping behind the distant peaks, and many people started returning to the town from their respective hunting grounds.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we find a nice inn for the night?¡± Zephyr¡¯s head popped out of his shirt at the suggestion. ¡°Definitely don¡¯t want to chance staying in the woods again. I might not be so lucky next time.¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu~¡±

    ***

    Entering the inn felt like a slap in the face.

    The air reverberated with a medley of laughter, conversations, and the occasional clink of tankards. The inn¡¯s patrons spanned an array of species, each exuding their own unique aura of adventure. Shockingly, there were a few burly dwarves mingling with tall, graceful elves, and sturdy humans chatting animatedly with Beastfolk.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Sure enough, Daisuke¡¯s entrance didn¡¯t escape notice; curious gazes from the assorted patrons flickered his way, evaluating the newcomer who seemed to disrupt the ongoing festivity. Ignoring the prying eyes, he kept his head straight and continued forward. His destination was the inn¡¯s wooden counter.

    Behind it stood a large middle-aged woman, her stern expression accentuated by the ladle clutched in her hand. She was a woman who commanded respect, and her presence exuded an air of authority that no amount of noise could overshadow.

    ¡°A room for the night, please,¡± Daisuke requested above the rambunctious atmosphere.

    The woman¡¯s gaze narrowed with a trace of suspicion. Her lips twitched as if attempting to suppress a sigh, but she maintained her composure. ¡°Coin first,¡± she grunted, her demeanor neither welcoming nor hostile.

    ¡°How much?¡±

    ¡°Three gold, but you get a fifteen percent discount if you stay for at least four days.¡±

    ¡°No thanks, I¡¯m still putting my plans into perspective.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± she muttered, pocketing the coins that were slid across the table. She issued a key and pointed in the direction of the rooms. ¡°Up the stairs, third door on the left. Supper¡¯s complimentary, so be back down in an hour.¡±

    ¡°Is there a place I can get cleaned up?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a well behind the building. Help yourself.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ***

    SPLASH.

    Zephyr¡¯s gaze lifted, completely deadpan.

    The deluge of water that had cascaded over him made his fur look like that of a sulking carpet. Before Daisuke could set aside the pail and even contemplate scrubbing him clean, Zephyr sprung to life with the nimbleness of a breeze. He shot off with an uncanny speed, water droplets flinging from his drenched coat in a playful display of defiance.

    ¡°Hey, you rascal!¡± Daisuke recoiled, chasing the mutt in just a pair of undergarments. ¡°Get back here! Halt, you furry whirlwind!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s futile attempts at capturing the fluffy beast only seemed to invigorate Zephyr¡¯s playful antics. A spirited dash in front of a large basin culminated in a vigorous shake, sending a barrage of cold water droplets raining down upon Daisuke like tiny needles.

    ¡°C-C-Cold!¡± he stuttered while seeming to dance on tiptoe.

    ¡°Why you! Get back here!¡± Daisuke protested, his voice caught between frustration and amusement.

    He hurled himself at the canine, and Zephyr shot between his legs in retreat, which made him unbalanced. He toppled and fell headfirst into the large basin of water.

    Unamused, Daisuke turned around, bubbles rising to the top of the water from his still submerged nose and mouth. He looked to Zephyr, where he was met with a wagging tail and the exuberance of a creature thoroughly content in its momentary triumph.

    The ensuing skirmish between man and mischievous mutt spanned a duration of half an hour, highlighted by a series of splashes and the unmistakable sound of a playful tussle. Daisuke emerged from the ordeal soaked to the bone but victorious, as Zephyr stood before him cleansed and dripping, a look of petulance on his face.

    By the time the battle of water and wills had concluded, Daisuke had earned his place at the supper table through sheer perseverance.

    The innkeeper made her way around the counter, her steps sure and determined. In her hands, she carried a wooden tray laden with a hearty meal, steam wafting up from the dishes.

    With a finesse that reflected years of service, she set the tray down before him. Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened slightly at the sight of the sumptuous feast.

    ¡°Enjoy your meal,¡± the innkeeper said in a voice that held the weight of years of tending to weary travelers. Her tone was gruff yet not without warmth.

    Daisuke picked up his utensils, his hands steady as he began to partake in the offering. The flavors exploded on his palate, a symphony of tastes that danced with each bite. His taste buds were treated to a melody of carefully seasoned meat, savory vegetables, and freshly baked bread.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ delicious,¡± Daisuke breathed the compliment like it was a prayer, tears welling up in his eyes.

    The innkeeper was caught off guard, and a blush stained her otherwise hard visage. ¡°Y-You¡¯re too much. It¡¯s not that great.¡±

    ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s really amazing!!

    Her blushed deepened. Then she tilted her chin and peeked at him from one eye, her hands resting on her hips. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll give you this one-time service¡ªbreakfast tomorrow will be on me.¡±

    Daisuke beamed.

    ¡°Aww¡­ Gretchen found herself a man,¡± teased one of the patrons who evidently had one too many.

    ¡°Kinda on the young side, isn¡¯t he?¡± voiced another.

    ¡°Well, if that¡¯s your kink.¡±

    ¡°Ha-ha! Kid, something must be wrong with your tongue if you consider this slop food.¡±

    WHAM!

    Gretchen¡¯s trusty ladle found its mark¡ªright between his eyes. While she barreled toward them like a hippopotamus, Daisuke was busy slipping food under the table to Zephyr.

    I can¡¯t tell the last time I had something so good; whenever we seldomly got a chance to cook at Dusthaven, the food was always terribly bland. Seasoning is a heck of a thing, isn¡¯t it?

    He brought the wooden bowl to his mouth and shoveled in the last of the potatoes and carrots from his soup.

    I wish mom and the others could be here to share this experience with me. Once I get to Gold or Mithril Rank, I¡¯ll use my connections to find April and the others. Together, we can work to grow the business to the Orichalcum rank, then everyone can manage their own store.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 1%

 CHAPTER 29: The Path to Entrepreneurship

    Daisuke fell on his back in bed, eyelids growing heavy as the sensation of a full belly after seven years and a long day prompted a wave of exhaustion.

    He adjusted his newly acquired attire, feeling the fabric stretch against his satisfied stomach. Zephyr, now clean and nestled on his chest, yawned and curled into a tight ball.

    Daisuke¡¯s fingers traced the soft fur of the pup¡¯s head, admiring the silver and light gray pattern of his coat. On Zephyr¡¯s forehead and beneath the eyes, a symmetrical design in red caught Daisuke¡¯s eye, a captivating contrast against his fur and piercing blue eyes.

    It¡¯s been a long day, and tomorrow is more or less going to be the same. I need to set up a small stall and head back into the mountains to uproot another Mana Crystal to sell.

    After spending the next few minutes in futility trying to call the game¡¯s menu screen, Daisuke eventually drifted off to sleep.

    ***

    The following day, Daisuke sat down to the promised breakfast, skillfully dodging Gretchen¡¯s inviting glances before embarking on a quest to find a logging mill in town.

    Wanting to refrain hiring a lumberjack and spending more on labor costs, he simply ordered the tools and supplies he needed for his stall¡ªa hammer, nails, and most importantly, plywood.

    In hindsight, the notion of saving a few gold coins seemed brilliant, but as Daisuke began hauling the materials to the designated spot one by one, he couldn¡¯t help but regret his decision. And the broiling sun beat down on his body as if mocking his efforts.

    ¡°Hey, Big Brother~¡±

    While shuffling back to the carpenter¡¯s stop like a zombie, Daisuke heard a melodic voice calling out to him from the distance. It was the same little girl from yesterday.

    ***

    GULP-GULP-GULP!

    Daisuke sighed with contentment after helping himself to some water. ¡°Thanks. I really needed that.¡±

    Disgruntled, the little girl pouted as she accepted the leather pouch from him. ¡°You may not look like a bum anymore, but you sure are dumb.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s face crumpled, then he allowed a rickety smile. ¡°I see you¡¯re still as brutally honest as ever, and you¡¯re even rhyming now.¡±

    Before the girl could let loose with a snappy comeback, Zephyr freed himself and the two began playing.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about Reeza,¡± the girl¡¯s mother apologized on her behalf. ¡°She takes from her father.¡±

    Daisuke scratched his cheek awkwardly. ¡°That¡¯s okay; she¡¯s a good girl.¡±

    ¡°She is,¡± the woman agreed, her eyes softening. ¡°By the way, may I ask why you¡¯ve been back and forth in the sun all day?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that,¡± Daisuke tousled his hair embarrassingly, unable to hold her gaze. ¡°I¡¯m trying to set up my very own stall, but I want to keep the expenses to a minimum.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Kyuu~¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s terribly hot today,¡± said Reeza as she poured water from the pouch in a steady stream. ¡°Drink up, you must be thirsty.¡±

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    Zephyr didn¡¯t hesitate.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you borrow our trolley?¡± the woman offered Daisuke sincerely.

    ¡°What? No, I couldn¡¯t impose any further; you even gave me something to eat yesterday.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen Reeza so happy in a while,¡± the woman explained with a warm smile, watching as the canine lapped at the stream of water. ¡°Please accept this favor as a token of my gratitude.¡±

    Daisuke pressed his lips to a thin line. That part of him¡ªthe part that feared pain and betrayal again reared its head, but he stuffed it down.

    If he wanted to broaden his social network to aid in eventually finding his friends, he needed to subdue the seed of distrust that had taken root inside of him.

    After taking a moment to assess their sincere expressions once more, Daisuke decided. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m in your debt once again.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no problem at all.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Zephyr,¡± Daisuke called as he pushed the wooden trolley out onto the open street.

    ¡°Aww, already?¡± Reeza drawled in a whining tone.

    ¡°Thanks again! I¡¯ll bring it back before sunset.¡±

    The woman waved with a smile.

    ***

    As expected, the trolley made transporting the materials significantly easier. By mid-afternoon, Daisuke was driving the last of the nails into the wooden stall.

    ¡°Phew~¡± a sigh escaped his lips as he swept away beads of sweat from his forehead. I may be cheating my way out of paying more taxes for having a physical store, but¡ª

    He appraised the structure with evident displeasure. It¡¯s so sloppily made I¡¯m pretty sure they wouldn¡¯t mind cutting me some slack. Once I sell all the crystals, I¡¯ll think about what to sell next and upgrade to Gold Rank.

    ***

    A partially concealed Mana Crystal gleamed in the sunlight. Zephyr¡¯s tongue drooled saliva in the strong breeze. They were both in the bed of the cart as Daisuke excitedly whizzed back to town from the embrace of the hilly mountains.

    After returning the trolley, Daisuke got straight down to business. The moment he put the crystal up on display, people started slowing their purposeful strides and craning their heads to look. Some whispered among themselves, while others approached to make inquiries or to bargain. The few people who were turned off by the crude stall now felt a sliver of interest as more people gathered.

    Daisuke didn¡¯t want to arouse suspicion by directly asking a player about the cost of Mana Crystals on the game¡¯s online store, so his market analysis was mostly incomplete. To compensate, he resolved to listen keenly and gather information through eavesdropping or casual interactions.

    But, until he had more of a clue, he decided to use the Merchants¡¯ Guild base price as his only reference guide. To that end, he placed the crystal on the market with a thirty percent increase in the cost. So, instead of ninety silvers for an ounce, it was now priced at 125.

    It was always better to price a product higher and reduce the price accordingly, rather than setting it low at the get-go. And, in the unlikely event that the crystal just refused to be sold as a whole, he had purchased a Magic Scale and chisel for the purpose of breaking it down into smaller bits.

    Eventually, a man garbed in an extravagant attire sauntered over. His eyes glittered like those of a collector rather than an opportunist seeking to turn a quick profit.

    ¡°M-Magnificent,¡± he murmured, beaming with childlike glee. Then he pulled out a magical monocle and began appraising the item. ¡°May I?¡±

    Daisuke nodded.

    ¡°Just as I thought¡ªit¡¯s obvious from its radiance that this isn¡¯t your average Mana Crystal. You¡­ managed to pull this from a Hidden Dungeon, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Astonished whispering spilled out from the crowd.

    Daisuke was just as astounded. Hidden¡­ Dungeon? That¡¯s right. Jean did mention something like that before.

    ¡°Mana Crystals from Hidden Dungeons exhibit a slightly brighter glow than those from normal dungeons,¡± the man informed confidently, ¡°which is a testament to their superior density and purity.¡±

    Eh? Daisuke blanched. Does that mean I was ripped off by the guild?

    ***

    At the same time, a teary-eyed Jean was nervously biting her fingernail. Her gaze was fixated on a crystal orb used to measure the purity of said commodity¡ªthe same crystal orb she had forgotten to use on a recently large purchase.

    I-I¡¯m going to lose yet another job, aren¡¯t I?

    ***

    ¡°How much does it weigh?¡± asked the connoisseur, already seeming to resign himself to the purchase.

    ¡°It¡¯s roughly four pounds,¡± Daisuke replied candidly before using the magic scale to prove the truth of it.

    ¡°One hundred gold,¡± the man offered firmly.

    ¡°Eh~?¡± O-One-hundred gold?! That¡¯s more than the forty percent profit I was gunning for!

    ¡°Oh? Just a few minutes into your new venture and already you¡¯re pulling down this kind of traction.¡±

    The voice came from the shady figure who stopped Daisuke outside the Merchants¡¯ Guild the previous day. As if his presence was a foreboding disaster, the sun suddenly disappeared behind a thick billow of dark clouds, plunging the world into gray.

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: 0%

 CHAPTER 30: The Path to Solitude

    The man¡¯s dreary face flashed a bizarre smile as he threw an arm around the connoisseur¡¯s shoulder. ¡°There¡¯s about to be a change in business ownership, but we would be delighted to have your patronage afterwards.¡±

    At his hushed words, a man akin to an ogre emerged from the din of the crowd. Flanking him were two other men who looked equally as menacing.

    The connoisseur broke into a sweat and quickly conceded. On the other hand, the crowd¡ªnoting the group¡¯s identity¡ªquickly dispersed in a fit of panic.

    The dreary-eyed man heaved a heinous smile. ¡°As I¡¯m sure I¡¯ve mentioned before, this thriving town is a magnet for scum. And of course, that includes us.¡±

    With a commanding snap of his bony fingers, the burly giant interlocked his gorilla-like hands and, with a thunderous roar, brought them down like a wrecking ball onto the flimsy stall.

    Daisuke, anticipating the assault to some extent, executed a dive-roll to safety with Zephyr in tow. They huddled low as splintered wood, dust, and debris rained down around them.

    Zephyr raised his head, unenthused. He could sense his companion¡¯s displeasure and the bloodlust directed at him from the other party.

    ¡°Otto~¡± one of the men exhaled as he effortlessly caught the Mana Crystal before it could hit the ground.

    ¡°See,¡± uttered the dreary-eyed man in a mocking tone. ¡°I told you it would have been in your best interest to consider our services. That protection fee would have shielded you from our target list.¡±

    Daisuke scowled at the bastard, biting his lip in a mix of fear and exasperation, yet he maintained his composure, struggling to analyze the situation amid the clamor of his pounding heartbeat.

    But Zephyr wasn¡¯t capable of remaining calm, which was evident by his bared teeth and raised hackles. To prevent him from charging in for an attack, Daisuke held him tightly in place with both hands.

    I¡¯m sorely outnumbered and outclassed, he admitted regrettably, his frown deepening. These guys are thugs, so unlike your average NPCs, they¡¯ve more than likely been racking up levels and Stats by abusing and killing people.

    Calm down. All I need to do is refrain from antagonizing them. I¡¯ve already memorized their faces. Once they leave, I¡¯ll secretly tail them back to their hideout.

    Afterwards, I¡¯ll talk to the soldiers and have them handle it. If that doesn¡¯t work out, I¡¯ll just sell the remaining Mana Crystals to the guild and hire adventurers to deal with¡ª

    Daisuke¡¯s words trailed off, his mind swimming as he forgot to breathe. Butterscotch eyes quivered violently as a trolley suddenly appeared on the scene filled with six chunks of Mana Crystals and a smiling Reeza.

    Her mother had her head down in what appeared to be guilt, her eyes unreadable.

    Daisuke¡¯s facade of composure shattered, replaced by an expression of sheer disbelief and horror.

    ¡°Yes! That¡¯s it! That¡¯s the one!¡± the dreary-eyed man exclaimed with an elated laugh. ¡°That look on your face¡ªthe moment one inevitably gives in to despair! Ah¡­ I can¡¯t get enough of it! It¡¯s intoxicating, like a well-aged wine, and as fleeting as an orgasm. It¡¯s perfect!¡±

    ¡°T-That¡¯s¡­¡± Daisuke stuttered incoherently. ¡°How¡­ did you¡ª¡±

    ¡°Manage to get such a large haul?¡± Reeza added with a sly grin, the childish melody in her voice completely gone. ¡°It¡¯s quite simple, actually¡ªwe embedded tracking magic on the trolley. Finding the Crystal Field again was child¡¯s play once we knew where you¡¯d been.¡±

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°Impressive work as usual,¡± the dreary-eyed man commended with a round of applause.

    ¡°Flattery isn¡¯t going to get you a cut, so don¡¯t even bother.¡±

    The man raised his hands in surrender. ¡°Pity.¡±

    The connoisseur finally breathed.

    Daisuke was still dumbfounded. ¡°J-Just who¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hey there, Zephyr,¡± Reeza interjected in the gentle voice the pup would have remembered. ¡°Why don¡¯t you come with me? There¡¯s a feast of delicious treats waiting just for you!¡±

    ¡°No. This¡­ can¡¯t be happening.¡±

    Caught in a whirlwind of despair, Daisuke¡¯s heart and mind spiraled into helplessness. Devastated at the prospect of starting over from rock-bottom, his grip on the canine loosened, and Zephyr immediately charged in with a vengeance.

    ¡°¡­So that¡¯s your choice,¡± Reeza uttered bitterly, a telling gleam lighting her eyes.

    ¡°AHWRU!¡±

    Despite Zephyr¡¯s admirable burst of speed, which blurred his image momentarily, his feeble Stats weren¡¯t enough to compete with those of a seasoned hunter.

    At the sound of the pup being mercilessly pinned underneath the boot of the ogre, Daisuke¡¯s eyes regained focus. As his gaze locked onto the heart-wrenching scene, memories of all those he had lost flashed through his mind with the intensity of a bolt of lightning.

    Rational thought was cast aside, consumed by the flames of desperation. Without hesitation, acting on pure instinct, he hurled himself at the ugly boar who held the canine captive.

    But before he could sink his teeth into the man¡¯s leg like a rabid dog, another assailant, moving with unnerving speed, intercepted him with a forceful kick to the face, sending him flying backwards.

    Drunk on adrenaline, Daisuke brushed off the pain and glanced around. His trembling hand sought out a length of plywood nearby, hoping to wield it against his attackers.

    Before he could grasp it firmly, the dreary-eyed man swooped in, mercilessly stomping on his outstretched fingers as if they were nothing more than brittle twigs beneath his heel.

    ¡°Guaaghh!!¡±

    A guttural cry tore from Daisuke¡¯s throat, but it was abruptly cut short as the man¡¯s boot connected with his face, pressing mercilessly against his temple.

    ¡°Arrogant, sniveling little punks like yourself,¡± he sneered, ¡°always strut around as if they¡¯re untouchable, above everyone else. It¡¯s always been my greatest pleasure to shatter that illusion.¡±

    As the ominous words hung in the air, the other two men closed in, their imposing forms eclipsing the sun. A powerful blow to the stomach had the remnants of Daisuke¡¯s breakfast from Gretchen violently expelled onto the ground.

    Writhing in agony, he instinctively curled into a defensive ball, but it provided little shelter as a relentless barrage of kicks and stomps descended upon him like a ferocious tempest.

    ¡°You cocky little shit!¡± one of the men spat venomously. ¡°Did you honestly believe you could set up shop in this neighborhood without our permission?¡±

    ¡°Know your fucking place, you piece of trash!¡±

    Laughter akin to the unsettling cackles of hyenas filled the air as the men savored the brutal scene. Daisuke, battered and broken on the ground, couldn¡¯t help but recall the similar cruelty he had endured from the loan sharks.

    ¡°Tsk,¡± the weary-eyed man clicked his tongue in disdain. ¡°It¡¯s no longer fun if you¡¯re not screaming,¡± he remarked before casting a commanding glance at the ogre. ¡°Kill the dog.¡±

    ¡°W-Wait!¡± Daisuke pleaded, desperation evident in his wide eyes as he clung to the man¡¯s foot.

    A fierce kick to the jaw sent his head spinning 180 degrees, but he stubbornly spat the blood from his mouth to speak. ¡°P-Please spare him! I¡¯ll give you money!¡±

    The man holding the Mana Crystal scowled as if regarding a lowly cockroach. ¡°You mean the coin you earned by illicitly selling in our territory? That¡¯s ours now.¡±

    ¡°T-Then I¡¯ll get you other funds,¡± Daisuke insisted, his eyes wide with fear.

    The weary-eyed man tilted his chin arrogantly. ¡°Where is it?¡±

    Daisuke glanced around frantically. ¡°I-I don¡¯t have it right now, but I can work for it. I promise I¡¯ll¡ª¡±

    The man hissed through his teeth and promptly snapped his fingers, the command prompting the ogre to unsheathe the sword from his waist.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Daisuke roared. ¡°Please NOOOOOOOO!¡±

    SWISH!

    Fear of monsters & the unknown: ????

    <hr>

    If you''re looking for advanced chapters and wanting to show your support, be sure to check out the links below. Also, the free weekly chapters are released in batches of three (3) on Patreon every Monday:

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 CHAPTER 31: The Path to Vengeance

    BOOOOM!!

    Zephyr watched in alarm as the hulking man approached. His hands came crashing down like an axe, completely obliterating the structure that Daisuke painstakingly crafted in the blazing sun.

    Even as the canine made for safety, he sneered at the people who had just undermined his companion¡¯s hard-earned achievements. Anger surged through him like liquid fire, a visceral reaction to the injustice unfolding before him.

    Vicious razor-sharp teeth peeked out from a creased snout. Piercing blue eyes stirred like a mighty wave, rearing back to build momentum. Then it would surge forth with the force of a thousand steeds. The distraught rolling off Daisuke was fuel that stoked the waves even higher.

    Reeza¡¯s sudden appearance and the shocking revelation of her betrayal were the final straw. How dare she? Zephyr wasn¡¯t just a mere beast; he had a conscience, an understanding of emotions, and knew the awful hand Daisuke had just been dealt.

    Without hesitation, he launched himself forward, his claws digging into the earth as he propelled his tiny body like a bullet. His sole purpose: to reclaim what was stolen, his target the despicable thief who clutched the Mana Crystal.

    But he was just a pup.

    In the blink of an eye, he found himself pinned beneath the boot of the dreary-eyed man, his ribs and legs snapping by the excruciating pressure. As the agony seared through him, the flames of his rage and fury gradually cooled.

    His singular regret weighed heavily on him¡ªhis own weakness, a failure that added to Daisuke¡¯s loneliness and grief. But, no matter how much he willed it, his body wouldn¡¯t respond.

    The enemy¡¯s sword reflected in the oceanic depths of his eyes. Then, like a vicious viper, it struck out, completely dousing the embers that were left of his rage¡­ and his life.

    Daisuke¡¯s voice rang out like thunder.

    Blood churned from his scalp to the tip of his toes. Red veins, like the gnarled branches of trees, reached for his quivering pupils. And he gnashed his teeth in sheer anger.

    The voices of the thugs entered his ears like the mocking jeers of hyenas. With a crazed roar, Daisuke threw himself at them like a torpedo. His arm, pulled back taut, shot forward like an arrow from a bow. The speed and force of his blow was impressive.

    WHAM!

    But it was just a figment of his imagination¡ªa cruel byproduct of rage and adrenaline. With ease, the men stole the wind from his sales and pummeled him into the ground, their laughs drowning out his cries as he endured the merciless assault.

    ¡°Tu,¡± one man spat before taking his coin purse. Then he turned on his heels and began leaving.

    Another man snickered. ¡°Weak.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for the crystal,¡± another mocked.

    ¡°Che,¡± Reeza clicked her tongue.

    The woman who was presumably her mother cast a fleeting look of sympathy and guilt before pulling the trolley away.

    SWAAAH~

    Daisuke coughed up a mouthful of blood.

    Through his swollen eyelids and the gray slant of rain, he looked in the distance and saw Zephyr¡¯s small and motionless body. He was slowly dematerializing into beads of golden light¡ªa spectacle that was both mesmerizing and horrific.

    Despite the aches and pains flickering all throughout his body, Daisuke began crawling. He stretched out his arm, reaching for his friend, but before his fingertips could brush the pup¡¯s fur, his body dispersed into a blinding column of light. And, all too soon, he was gone.

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    Harsh tears spilling from his eyes, Daisuke slowly sat on his knees, gazing at the bloodied spot of ground where the canine lay just moments ago.

    As the rain drove into his skin like tiny needles, and sorrow and despair coiled around his soul, his heart gradually hardened into stone, and his eyes lost their once innocent luster. Now from their dark depths, a new resolve emerged.

    ***

    The female clerk at the Adventurers¡¯ Guild looked the silver-haired boy over assessingly. ¡°How old were you?¡±

    ¡°I just turned twelve,¡± replied Daisuke in a monotone, completely ignoring the piercing gazes of the people dotting the lobby area.

    ¡°Mmm¡­¡±

    The girl evidently didn¡¯t seem too convinced.

    In this world, the moment a male could father a child, he was deemed a man, which was around the age of twelve. And being a man was the prerequisite for joining the guild, which meant Daisuke was only just eligible.

    The Merchants¡¯ Guild wasn¡¯t overly fixated on its members¡¯ age; they recognized the potential for individuals to receive training in the field from a very young age. Prodigies weren¡¯t all that uncommon, either.

    Merchants were also known for employing mercenaries and adventurers as bodyguards, ensuring their safety during business endeavors. This was all the reassurance the guild needed.

    However, as far as the Adventurers¡¯ Guild was concerned, early training or prodigious talents didn¡¯t magically bestow a physique that could shrug off monster attacks. So, rather than laying out an easy feast for monsters, the guild took more interest in the applicants¡¯ age.

    ¡°For now, go ahead and take these,¡± the clerk said, handing him a thin piece of polished wood and a sterile needle. ¡°I¡¯ll need to verify your age with a drop of blood.¡±

    After stepping away to analyze the crimson fluid using a strange magical device, the girl returned with a polite smile. ¡°All done. Now, to continue, please go ahead and complete this form,¡± she instructed, sliding a parchment and pen across the wooden counter.

    Daisuke complied with the clerk¡¯s instructions, and then she launched into an explanation that was written in the fine print of the document, which also doubled as a contract.

    ¡°Allow me to summarize,¡± the clerk began, her tone firm yet informative. ¡°Adventurers are categorized into ranks ranging from S to F, with S being the highest tier and F the lowest. As a new member, you will commence at the entry level.

    Quests are posted on the bulletin boards,¡± she indicated, motioning towards the lobby area. ¡°Similar to adventurer rankings, quests are categorized from S to F. However, you can only undertake a quest that matches or is one level above your current rank.

    For rankings between D and F, it is imperative that you accept and complete a quest at least once per month to maintain the validity of your ID. Additionally, please be aware that the guild cannot be held accountable for any injuries or fatalities that occur while undertaking a quest.¡±

    The woman stepped away from the counter again, this time approaching a device resembling the one at the Merchants¡¯ Guild.

    Upon her return, she held out the same polished wood upon which Daisuke had placed his blood, but now it bore etched writings¡ªhis name, age, rank, and more, with the blotch of blood reminiscent of a watermark in the background.

    The design was rustic yet simple.

    ¡°I¡¯ve also ensured that your ID will be recognized across all our branches,¡± the clerk informed, ¡°and since your information is already listed on the Global Census Register, there won¡¯t be any additional service fee for its inclusion. Moreover, the guild doesn¡¯t impose any registration fees.¡±

    I guess it would be counterproductive to charge a registration fee when they¡¯re always desperately on the prowl for new recruits. ¡°Are we done here?¡± asked Daisuke, his tone aloof and unfriendly.

    The girl looked him over again, evidently concerned about the many terrible bruises and cuts covering his body. ¡°Y-Yes, but are you¡ª¡±

    ¡°Where can I find records about the monsters living in his area?¡± Daisuke interjected, cutting her off.

    ¡°Oh. Umm. If you take the stairs off to the right, you¡¯ll find a public library on the second floor.¡±

    Before she could even properly finish her sentence, Daisuke¡¯s footsteps were already fading in the distance.

    Unnecessary kindness has no place here, he resolved, a dark scowl etching his features. I was betrayed by Brek, used by Reginald, and robbed by Reeza and her goons. I¡¯ve lost everything again¡ªfirst in the real world, and now in this one.

    Daisuke¡¯s belief that his intellect could untangle any knot of trouble had crumbled beneath the weight of reality. Now, it had become painfully clear that power and strength were indispensable companions to his wit.

    It was unfortunate he had to learn this harsh truth only after losing those he held dear, but the agony of that loss would fuel his drive to become sharper, fiercer, and more self-centered, no matter the cost.

    The paralyzing fear of death that once held him back withered under the weight of his reckless fury. Throwing caution to the wind, Daisuke hurled himself into the library¡¯s depths, devouring knowledge about the local monster species¡ªtheir strengths, vulnerabilities, and habits.

    Next, he turned his focus to the wild, delving into books that detailed survival techniques. He meticulously studied the section on foraging, absorbing insights on identifying edible plants and steering clear of those with poisons.

    Finally, his research led him to the art of crafting traps. He poured over the pages detailing their construction, taking in every bit of information about various types of snares and pitfalls, until he stood before the one he had created himself.

 CHAPTER 32: The Path to Power

    Daisuke swiftly moved behind a thicket of shrubs and crouched down. He reached for a handful of dried leaves, crumpled them, and nodded when he verified that the direction of the wind wouldn¡¯t have given away his scent, compromising his location.

    In a clearing to the left of his hiding spot, a small mound of Celestia Flowers beckoned. The ?Monster Guide? had noted them as a longtime favorite of Horned Rabbits.

    The flowers were also listed as a gathering quest on the bulletin board, an assignment for which he had already prepared a batch to bring back to town.

    His patience bore fruit when a pair of Horned Rabbits emerged, lured by the tempting scent of their preferred meal. Their small pink noses flared as they sniffed the suspicious heap, their whiskers twitching as they contemplated what to do.

    They were not used to their hard-earned food being neatly prepared in a convenient bundle, but it wasn¡¯t long before hunger gave way to their better judgment. As they began to feast, the ground beneath them gave way, causing the balls of fluff to tumble into a deep pit.

    Before the creatures could contemplate bouncing off the walls to escape their tomb, Daisuke was upon them like a starved barbarian, dropping a heavy boulder to swiftly end the life of one.

    Ignoring the creature¡¯s fleeting shriek, he reached for a crudely made bow on his back, notched an arrow from his quiver, and ended the life of the other.

    Daisuke looked on without a shred of remorse as blood pooled at the bottom of the hole. It was his very first victory against a monster since entering the game, but instead of feeling a sense of triumph and celebration, he yearned to further the slaughter.

    SWOOSH-SWOOSH.

    Daisuke¡¯s head snapped around, his visage dark and expressionless. From a rustling bush, he could see a pair of menacing red eyes, and he didn¡¯t hesitate to put an arrow between them.

    CLANK!

    But instead of the pained shriek of a dying creature, the sound of the stone-tipped arrow colliding with a hard surface echoed through the forest. Daisuke quickly notched another arrow, pulled it until it was taut, and held his breath. His pulse hammered in his ears as he waited for any sign of movement.

    RUSTLE-RUSTLE.

    The bushes shifted once more, and then a beast sprang out with the velocity of a bullet. Daisuke released his arrow, but it was effortlessly deflected by a dagger made of bone. Time seemed to slow as the crude blade carved a long red line across Daisuke¡¯s cheek, the creature passing over his shoulder in a burst of speed.

    Ignoring the wound, Daisuke turned on his heels to capture the creature in his gaze.

    A Bullet Hare, he muttered, his frown deepening.

    No sooner had the thought formed in his mind than the monster, roughly twice the size of a Horned Rabbit, vanished into the trees once more. Daisuke broke into a sweat as it darted from the canopy of one tree to the next.

    Bullet Hares were notorious for their swiftness. Wielding weapons made of bone, they used tree trunks as platforms to bounce around at incredible speeds, carving into their enemies until there was nothing left.

    Daisuke grunted as the cold caress of the blade touched his arm, forming the second wound. Then came the third, fourth, fifth, sixth¡ªall within a few seconds. As the beast slingshot from one tree to the next, its silver form traced a zigzag trajectory that whispered of death.

    The wounds were shallow, suggesting either the weapon wasn¡¯t particularly sharp or the monster was merely toying with him. Regardless, Daisuke recognized that he couldn¡¯t prevail in a battle of speed or strength.

    With this realization weighing heavily on him, he quickly surveyed his surroundings before dashing towards the sound of gushing water.

    Perched high in the tree¡¯s canopy, the Bullet Hare observed the scene below with satisfaction, its veins pulsating with anticipation and its predatory instincts stirred to life. Its crimson eyes shimmered with primal greed as it leaped into action, propelled by an insatiable desire to hunt and slaughter its prey.

    Daisuke¡¯s breath grew ragged as he sprinted along a familiar path. Running had been a constant in his life, a necessity for survival. One misstep could mean the end, so he needed to be carefully observant¡ªand a background in computer programming meant that skill was honed like a blade.

    In Dusthaven, understanding the behavioral patterns of shopkeepers was crucial for executing the perfect escape. Similarly, the monsters in the wilderness weren¡¯t vastly different¡ªsure, they were endowed with artificial intelligence and were far more autonomous and adaptable compared to the predictable mobs in your average RPG.

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    But, even within that intricate web of automation, there existed a pattern within its complexity, a repetitive sequence ripe for observation and exploitation.

    Environmental factors and Daisuke¡¯s own behavior could tip the scales, offering windows of opportunity. With focus, keen observation, and well-timed responses, victory remained within reach.

    At that undeniable truth, a sliver of light beamed at the end of the forested tunnel. But at the same time, the Bullet Hare, hopelessly drunk on the intoxicating wine of the hunt, closed in, its blade poised dangerously close to Daisuke¡¯s neck.

    Amidst the intricate workings of the human mind and the lethal fangs of the wild, which force will emerge victorious?

    SHINGG!

    By a few inches, Daisuke narrowly evaded the blade¡¯s icy touch by dropping and sliding into an open glade. Meanwhile, the Bullet Hare, blinded by the sudden burst of light as it emerged from the undergrowth, was unsuspectingly ensnared in a web of strings Daisuke had laid beforehand.

    The sudden halt caused the creature to lose its grip on its weapon, sending it hurtling into the lake ahead.

    As the creature struggled to break free, it was met with the intimidating roar of the human, causing its eyes to bulge with fear. In a sudden reversal of roles, it found itself transformed from hunter to prey. With a pained shriek, the creature felt the sharp sting of an arrow as its stone tip plunged into its neck.

    ***

    After bundling together a generous cluster of Dewdrop Willows using a sturdy vine, Daisuke tied it off a tree trunk and cast it into a lake before retreating from the water¡¯s edge.

    He lamented missing the chance to secure the Bullet Hare¡¯s weapon but wisely refrained from venturing into the lake to retrieve it. As he observed the water, the wisdom of his decision quickly became evident.

    Before long, a pair of humanoid frog monsters, known as Malevocroak, surfaced from the water. They were clad in shoddy leather armor and brandished crude clubs, their faces twisted in anger as they approached the shore.

    These amphibious creatures took the presence of the Dewdrop Willows as a personal insult. The willows emitted a pungent essence akin to vinegar, which the Malevocroak found incredibly repulsive. And it didn¡¯t take much for them to designate Daisuke as the source of their turmoil upon spotting him in the distance.

    Daisuke¡¯s breaths came in ragged bursts as he fled from the enraged monsters, their wild swings and guttural battle cries echoing in his ears. Yet, as soon as they began their cries, they swiftly transformed into high-pitched yelps that dissolved into an abrupt, eerie silence.

    Slowing to a stop, Daisuke retraced his steps, gazing down upon the gruesome scene: the once-ferocious beasts had unwittingly plummeted into a concealed pitfall, their forms impaled upon spikes made of bamboo.

    ***

    Daisuke proceeded to lay down traps designed to ensnare Imps and feral boars alike. Once caught, he would then engage these creatures with a sharpened bamboo spear, dispatching them without an ounce of remorse.

    In between setting snares and pitfalls, he would use the same spears to dispatch Slimes, the easiest of the three species he had trapped and slain thus far.

    And, of course, with each successful kill, he would salvage what he could from the vanquished monsters. His approach to hunting, although crude and ruthless, was a necessary sacrifice if he wanted to survive.

    ***

    For the first time since his killing spree began, Daisuke¡¯s expression softened. He was standing before what was once a glistening Crystal Field, memories of Zephyr flickering through his mind. But only for a moment.

    In the next instant, the blissful memories vanished, replaced by the seething anger that had become his constant companion. His thoughts shifted to the loss of his friend, the echoes of Zephyr¡¯s last moments ringing in his ears.

    All the progress he had fought so hard to achieve had been wrenched away from him. This thought became an inferno of fury, stoking his rage until he couldn¡¯t contain it.

    He snatched up a stone, his muscles tensing as he hurled it with all the force of his frustration. The stone collided with a concave section of the outcrop before him, the once-imposing surface crumbled to reveal the dark maw of a hidden cave.

    Daisuke gasped in astonishment, his eyes widening. ¡°T-This is¡­¡± That¡¯s right¡ªCrystal Fields only appear close to the entrances of a Dungeon. The fact that the Mana Crystals were of a higher purity, does that mean this is a¡­ Hidden Dungeon?

    There are two known types of dungeons in the world: normal dungeons and Hidden or ?Irregular Dungeons?. A normal Dungeon is stationary and can have any number of floors. Players can form parties and explore them.

    Hidden Dungeons, however, are vastly different. They feature anywhere between two to five floors and can only be cleared solo. If a party enters the Dungeon, they will automatically be separated and organized into ?Instant Dungeons? to challenge it individually.

    The monsters in these dungeons are unbelievably overpowered and only those challengers who are very exceptional in skill can succeed. The ?Boss Monster? is no different¡ªit¡¯s a unique species of monster that boasts incredible power and intelligence.

    There are multiple Hidden Dungeons in each region that reflect the level of the general monster population. Once a Hidden Dungeon is cleared or failed, it vanishes and randomly respawns elsewhere, and everything about it changes. Even if one was lucky enough to encounter the same monsters, their temperament and battle characteristics would be different.

    Finding a Hidden Dungeon was the ultimate desire of every player and adventurer, for if one was able to challenge and clear it, great treasure and other rewards awaited.

    Despite his eagerness to explore and conquer, Daisuke closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Fully aware that he lacked the proper gear for venturing into the unknown depths, he held back his curiosity and decided to postpone exploration. Instead, he set to work obscuring the cave entrance with a clever arrangement of plants and undergrowth.

    However, fate had other plans.

    Without warning, the earth gave way beneath his feet, leaving him with no chance to react. Daisuke screamed as he plummeted into the abyss below, his surroundings swallowed by darkness as he fell into the unknown depths of the cave. The back of his head collided with falling rock before he was promptly swallowed by a column of light.

 CHAPTER 33: The Culmination of the Paths

    ¡°Aughh¡­¡±

    The world swam back into focus as a faint groan escaped Daisuke¡¯s lips, his consciousness gradually returning. Blinking away the haze, he pushed aside the throbbing pain at the back of his head and took in his surroundings in a mixture of confusion and urgency.

    The corridor he found himself in was tight, the walls and ceiling softly illuminated by an eerie phosphorescent light. Its feeble glow barely dispelled the shadows that clung to the edges of his vision.

    ¡°¡­It looks like I¡¯ve fallen a long way,¡± he murmured while gazing up at the faint light in a layer that was well above the height of the ceiling.

    His heart quickened as he considered his predicament. Now the big question is: which type of dungeon did I stumble into? The ceiling looks the same from this angle, so I can¡¯t discern whether I was teleported to somewhere else or not.

    Each type of Dungeon held its own dangers; its own challenges. But Daisuke was nothing if not pragmatic, and with no way to climb back up from where he had fallen, his options were limited. There was only one way to go¡ªforward.

    Steeling himself, he stepped forward into the dimly lit corridor, embracing the uncertainty that lay ahead. The narrow path eventually expanded into a large chamber. Carefully craning his head, he peeked inside and noted the various color Slimes dotting the room.

    Looks like I may be able to survive this ordeal, after all. The Slimes on the surface were pretty much level one. With any luck, these ones won¡¯t be any higher than level two or three.

    As he contemplated, his gaze focused on an orange Slime close by. What bothers me, though, is that I¡¯ve never seen a Slime that isn¡¯t blue.

    Tightly gripping his bamboo spear, Daisuke looked back into the narrow passage before locking onto the Slime once more. I¡¯ll try attacking this one and see how it responds. If I gain the aggro from the other Slimes, I¡¯ll just lure them into a bottleneck and skewer them one at a time. Slimes are only capable of physical attacks, so this should be pretty doable.

    Steeling his resolve, Daisuke poised for an attack. But suddenly, a large spider¡ªa Silkshriek¡ªdangled down from its web just inches away from his face. It was almost a meter in length, its eyes a piercing green.

    Before it could spew venom from its maw, blinding its prey, it was mistakenly hit by a fireball meant for Daisuke. The hideous creature collapsed to the ground, its web reduced to smoldering ashes, agonized shrieks filling the air as the flames consumed it.

    ¡°Wait! Does that mean?!¡±

    Daisuke blanched.

    It was bad enough that the Slime could use fire magic¡ªnow, the spider¡¯s thrashing and screeching had won the attention of all the others that could supposedly use magic as well. Now being in the narrow corridor was suicide.

    Daisuke¡¯s heart pounded like the war drums of an Orc army. Flames crackled, water surged, gusts of wind howled, and chunks of earth roared as the Slimes unleashed their attacks.

    Daisuke¡¯s instincts kicked in, adrenaline fueling his drive, and he leaped with the grace of a Mithrilcrest Deer, narrowly dodging a torrent of water that crashed into the ground where he had been standing.

    His bamboo spear glinted as he whirled it around himself, carving a path through the onslaught of elemental assaults. With every attack he avoided, his confidence surged.

    The Slimes, their forms shifting and pulsating with magic, seemed unfazed by their missed attempts. They converged on Daisuke, their mouths agape and elements swirling. He sprinted, his footsteps echoing off the cave floor. Flames licked at his heels, water droplets splashed his skin, and gusts of wind threatened to knock him off balance.

    But Daisuke endured. He twisted, somersaulted, and spun with impressive athleticism. The Slimes¡¯ attacks collided, causing eruptions of steam and explosions of sparks.

    Seizing this moment, Daisuke lunged forward, spear extended. His weapon found its mark, piercing through the gelatinous form of a Fire Slime. The creature let out a sizzling shriek as it dissolved into embers. Daisuke wrenched his spear free, his breath labored but determined.

    His eyes locked onto the remaining Slimes. Each elemental attack, once potent and terrifying, now seemed predictable. And so, one by one, the Slimes fell to the bamboo spear, their bodies fizzling out harmlessly.

    ***

    Hiding his presence, Daisuke flicked a rock a few meters away from a monster in the next chamber. The slug-like creature left a thick yellow liquid in its wake as it slowly crawled over to investigate.

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Looks like it¡¯s not just in appearances, thought Daisuke. This mob is as slow as a snail as well.

    All of a sudden, the creature turned, its lifeless pair of eyes locking onto Daisuke¡¯s with an eerie stillness. In a matter of moments, its body expanded, swelling to roughly twice its previous size.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Before he could react, a projectile shot from the creature¡¯s mouth with surprising speed, striking his arm and instantly adhering it to the wall behind him. The mucus acted like a powerful adhesive, pinning him in place.

    Grimacing, Daisuke¡¯s mind raced. Like hell I¡¯m going to allow myself to be done in by a slug!

    He swiftly assessed the situation, his survival instincts kicking in. With an agile maneuver, he managed to slip out of his jacket, leaving it pinned to the wall as an unfortunate sacrifice to his escape. He did, however, manage to retain his bow and quiver.

    Its movements are slow, but its attack is pretty quick. If that glue were to cover my face, it¡¯s game over. In that case¡­

    Keeping his body animated and his field of vision wide, Daisuke swiftly moved around the cave, dodging projectiles while killing the pesky monsters with little effort.

    Then he used his bamboo spear to extract the small shard of Mana Crystal hidden inside their slimy bodies before moving on to the final chamber.

    ***

    SPLATT!!

    Daisuke was on the brink of turning a corner when a slug hit the wall like a wet sack of raspberries.

    ¡°Gulp!¡± he swallowed down his heart that had jumped into his throat. A chill ran down his spine as his imagination conjured vivid images of a similar fate¡ªa grotesque mess of slimy residue splattered across the wall.

    He craned his head around the bend and noted the source of the creature¡¯s timely demise. It was the Boss Monster¡ªwhat else could it be when the Goliath among Slimes was at least twenty times bigger than its counterpart?

    The creature¡¯s ragged crown sat askew on its head, its lime-green body contrasting starkly with the gloom of the dark cave. Within its gelatinous form, a turbulent liquid fizzed and churned like soda.

    Daisuke broke into a sweat. ¡°Will I really be able to take this thing with just a bamboo weapon?¡±

    The creature didn¡¯t give him enough time to mull it over. A high-pitched shrill declared the start of the battle.

    The creature¡¯s body jiggled as a ball of acid surged from its mouth, narrowly missing Daisuke as it melted the rocky ceiling with its corrosive potency.

    Unfortunately, his bow and quiver weren¡¯t so lucky, and he quickly abandoned them before the harsh toxin could spread to his body.

    ¡°A-Acid? You¡¯ve got to be kidding me!¡±

    He made a beeline as a volley of noxious projectiles came showering down like rain, dissolving parts of his clothes.

    I¡¯m screwed. Even if I had a steel sword, it would just melt down the moment I made contact with the Slime¡¯s body. What good then is a lousy bamboo spear going to do?

    Ducking behind a rock, Daisuke struggled to control his breathing, his mind reeling as he considered a strategy.

    SWISH!

    A high velocity, boomerang-shaped projectile of water sliced through the rock like a hot knife through butter. Daisuke¡¯s eyes bulged as fringes of his hair fell from his head.

    He hesitantly poked his head up to peek, but ended up running for his life before a ball of fire could engulf that spot of ground. But he didn¡¯t get far.

    The next thing he knew, his legs were caught in a sheet of ice. He blanched as he gazed up from the glistening casing to the Slime that was now transitioning from the color lime-green to brown.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in horror, a flurry of projectiles reflected in them. He crossed his forearms as a barrage of pebble-sized rocks zipped by and into him like the pellets of a powerful BB gun.

    He groaned, slightly lowering his arms. His eyes glinted with determination, even as blotches of blood dotted his clothes. But that confidence wavered as the Slime shifted from lime-green to yellow.

    With haste, Daisuke started using the dull end of his bamboo spear to break the ice trapping his feet. But, when a bolt of lightning struck, a blood-curdling scream tore from his lungs and his steaming body stilled before falling to the ground. But even then, he didn¡¯t get a reprieve.

    A powerful gust of wind picked up his body and slammed it into the wall, knocking the air from his lungs.

    ¡°Cough!¡± blood splattered to the ground when he fell, his vision blurring as searing pain throbbed across every inch of his body.

    But he couldn¡¯t stay still.

    A moment of rest would spell the end of him.

    Awkwardly rolling onto his stomach, Daisuke¡¯s eyes fleetingly met with the motionless body of the slug. He couldn¡¯t allow himself to suffer the same fate. What would happen to April and the others if he perished here? And who would exact his revenge for Zephyr?

    Before a pool of acid could dissolve his flesh and bones, he pushed to his feet with a hardened battle cry. The Slime¡¯s form shifted and shimmered, taking on the traits of fire, water, wind, earth, ice, lightning, and acid in a rapid succession of assaults. It weaved together a flurry of destruction, launching combination attacks that left Daisuke scrambling for cover.

    Taking refuge behind a sturdy rock, his mind raced. Observing the Slime¡¯s pattern, he realized that it needed to return to its original state¡ªacid form¡ªbefore it could shift to another elemental state. And each transformation had an interval time of at least ten seconds.

    As his eyes darted back to the entrance, he was struck by a sudden epiphany. The Slime¡­ couldn¡¯t digest the slug, which is probably the reason why it was regurgitated.

    Armed with this revelation, Daisuke started mentally counting down the time until the monster¡¯s next transformation. Then he rushed over and urgently smeared himself with the mucus from the slug.

    Confiding in his hurried assessment, he lunged forward. Despite the fear, pain, fatigue, and disgust from the slimy mucus, a mighty roar bubbled up from his throat.

    A fusillade of projectiles shot forward, but Daisuke¡¯s momentum didn¡¯t slow; the mucus acted as a layer of barrier against the corrosive acid.

    Closing the distance between them, he focused his fury on the Slime¡¯s core, which was concealed by its fizzing interior. And the moment its element switched from acid to water, his bamboo spear struck true.

    ¡°Kiiiieeehhhk!¡±

    The Slime let out a long-winded shriek that reverberated through the chamber, a final burst of sound before its form liquefied and oozed around the bamboo spear.

    Daisuke¡¯s chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath, the weight of the battle finally settling upon him. He lowered his gaze to the watery pool that remained of the creature. A mixture of relief, awe, and fatigue swept over him in waves.

    ¡°Is¡­ Is it finally over?¡± he muttered, his voice a whisper that hung in the air.

    DING!

    [Congratulations!]

    [You have achieved an unbelievable feat!]

    ¡°Eh?¡±

 CHAPTER 34: The Rewards Beyond the Culmination

    A woman, adorned in the attire of a mage, graced the chamber of a medieval-style office. Her slender form, the embodiment of professionalism and dignity, came to a halt a few meters in front of a large elm desk.

    ¡°Sir,¡± she began with unwavering composure, ¡°we have successfully tracked down and apprehended the party that infiltrated our Dungeon without the proper permit.¡±

    The man behind the desk responded, his demeanor tinged with amusement. ¡°Excellent. Ensure that their punishment is both swift and severe so that none will make the same mistake.¡±

    ¡°I have already made the necessary arrangements,¡± she replied with a respectful bow. ¡°I simply sought your confirmation.¡±

    A grin stretched the man¡¯s lips, his pearly white teeth rivaling the gleam of his impressive armor. ¡°Always one step ahead as ever. You¡ª¡±

    His words were abruptly interrupted as a notification flashed in his peripheral vision. As the Guildmaster, he frequently received a multitude of notifications, yet this one demanded his immediate and undivided attention.

    With a deft movement of his finger, he clicked on the mail icon, which brought up the ?Leaderboard? Window by extension. Ignoring the other categories, he navigated to the latest update¡ªthe Hidden Dungeon scoreboard.

    There, he saw it. A player by the name of Haxks had cleared the very first level one Hidden Dungeon in the game.

    A mocking twist touched the corner of the Guildmaster¡¯s mouth. It¡¯s his very first Dungeon, and a level one no less, he mused, dismissing the achievement as a mere fluke. Hardly worth mentioning.

    For Guildmasters like him, the pursuit of glory and fame was an ongoing strategy to attract potential members to their guilds. And one among the many grand stages for such displays was none other than the Hidden Dungeons.

    Rankings were determined by clear times and the number of dungeons conquered, and competitors were known to go to extreme lengths to safeguard their positions¡ªthis Guildmaster was no exception.

    ***

    Before Daisuke could fully recover from the shock, he was promptly teleported back to the surface, and the outcrop that had concealed the cave had vanished, leaving no trace behind.

    Birds sang merrily, their warbles echoing from all directions. Sunlight filtered through the lush canopy of trees, casting dappled shadows on the vibrant landscape. The summer breeze, cool and refreshing, washed over him, a stark contrast to the humid depths of the cave.

    However, Daisuke¡¯s attention was fixated on something entirely different.

    ¡°This¡­ can¡¯t be real, can it?¡± his voice, rough and cracked, barely rose above a whisper. His wide eyes trembled in disbelief as multiple screens materialized before him, like a holographic projection.

    DING!

    [Congratulations! You have slain the Hidden Dungeon Boss ?Globerax, the Elemental King?!]

    [You have achieved an unbelievable feat!]

    [Upon joining the Adventurers¡¯ Guild and successfully clearing a Hidden Dungeon, the System has recognized your desire and commitment to become a player.]

    [The Status Window has been unlocked.]

    [The title ?Lone Wolf? has been acquired.]

    [The title ?Pathfinder? has been acquired.]

    [The title ?Unwavering Spirit? has been acquired.]

    [The title ?Congenial Denizen? has been acquired.]

    [The active skill ?Eye of Verity? has been acquired.]

    [The active skill ?¡ì??? @%&?? has been acquired.]

    [The active skill ?Alchemy? has been acquired.]

    [The passive skill ?Novice Archery Mastery? has been acquired.]

    [The passive skill ?Novice Polearm Mastery? has been acquired.]

    [The passive skill ?¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing? has been acquired.]

    [The Composure stat has been unlocked.]

    [The Indomitable stat has been unlocked.]

    [The Dexterity stat has been unlocked.]

    [Crude Bonepick has been acquired.]

    [Frost Prism x6 has been acquired.]

    [Flarial Seed x6 has been acquired.]

    [Burn Heal x2 has been acquired.]

    [Slime Essence x4 has been acquired.]

    TEARRR~

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    The moment the torrent of notifications finally stopped, Daisuke felt a strange surge of energy coursing through his body. It was as if a hidden reservoir of strength had been unlocked within him. His muscles, previously unremarkable, now seemed to ripple with newfound power beneath his skin.

    With a puzzled expression, Daisuke flexed his arms experimentally, noticing how his sleeves strained and tore from the increased definition of his biceps. His clothes, already worn and damaged from the grueling trials in the Dungeon, gave way to the growing pressure of his expanding physique, exposing hardened muscles and sweat-slicked skin.

    ¡°Did I just rip out of my clothes like the Hulk?¡± he mused, eyeing the rags now clinging to his body. ¡°I guess my Stats directly affect my body. But wait, I¡¯m not eventually going to look like this, will I?¡±

    He visualized an overly ripped bodybuilder and couldn¡¯t help but cringe. Pushing the thought aside, Daisuke eagerly turned his attention to more exciting matters. Before he could consider gesturing with his fingers or voicing the command, the Status Window popped up with merely a thought.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 1 | EXP: 0/156 (0%)

    Class: None

    Affiliation: Adventurers¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen

    HP: 54/270 | MP: 15/15

    Strength: 3 (+15) | Stamina: 3 (+12) | Agility: 12 (+25) | Intelligence: 1 | Dexterity: 10 (+35) | Composure: 5 | Indomitable: 3

    Stat Points: 70

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    Active Skills:

    ?? Eye of Verity

    ?? ¡ì??? @%&?

    ?? Alchemy

    Passive Skills:

    ?? ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing

    ?? Novice Archery Mastery

    ?? Novice Polearm Mastery

    Gold: 0]

    ¡°¡­After all these years,¡± he muttered, his voice cracking, ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is actually happening.¡±

    As he contemplated the possibility of saving both his mother and Sheba, if only he had received this power at a more opportune time, tears welled up in his eyes.

    In that moment, he recalled his parents¡¯ words, spoken just before his virtual mother drew her final breath. They had urged him to keep pushing forward, assuring him that he would eventually find peace.

    Considering his cursed existence, the idea of hoping for happiness definitely seemed like a stretch. However, he couldn¡¯t shake the thought of April and Mia eagerly anticipating their reunion. He felt a sense of duty to ensure that they, at least, found happiness.

    ¡°¡­Wait¡­ Haxks?¡± he frowned in surprise, scrutinizing the name registered on his Status Window as he wiped away his tears. It¡¯s the name Evandria gave to me. I¡¯ve been throwing it around ever since, so I guess I shouldn¡¯t be surprised that the System decided to identify me as such.

    Daisuke sighed.

    He could still feel the exhaustion from the battle, and the broiling sun was only sapping his strength even further. ¡°Only 54 HP left? Damn. I was cutting it pretty close back there.¡±

    Finding a nearby oak tree, he cautiously looked around for nearby monsters before gingerly sitting against the sturdy trunk.

    Clicking on his ?HP bar?, otherwise known as ?Hit Points?, brought up a small, intricately designed window. HP was essentially the total health a character or unit possessed¡ªin other words, if Daisuke¡¯s 54 health had hit zero when he was fighting the Elemental King, he would have died.

    And he didn¡¯t even want to consider what fate would await a bugged existence such as himself.

    According to the description of his HP bar, he would gradually regain a bit of health by sitting down and resting. However, his recovery would be significantly enhanced if he chose to sleep.

    Sounds about right, he thought inwardly. People heal and recover from fatigue when they rest in real life. It would be stranger if a game desperately striving for realism didn¡¯t follow the same principle.

    HP: 72/270 | MP: 15/15

    Strength: 3 (+15) | Stamina: 3 (+12) | Agility: 12 (+25) | Intelligence: 1 | Dexterity: 10 (+35) | Composure: 5 | Indomitable: 3

    Stat Points: 70

    Daisuke swallowed, and his heartbeat hastened. I swore the numbers would be different the next time I looked, but nothing¡¯s changed. This is insane!

    His eyes quivered.

    ...Level 1. I mean, seriously, I¡¯m at level 1. So how can I have this many Stat Points already? Just to clarify, the Base Stats of a level 1 character are supposed to be 1 Strength, 1 Stamina, 1 Agility, and 1 Intelligence. So, the total number of Stats for a level 1 character should be 4.

    However, mine totals a whopping 19¡ªand that¡¯s excluding the 53 points in my Special Stats and the 121 points from Option Buffs. When you add everything together, it¡¯s a mind-blowing 193 points. And that¡¯s not even including the 70 Stat Points I haven¡¯t distributed yet.

    Stat Points are supposed to increase by 10 every time a level is gained, giving players the chance to allocate them to their Main Stats. But here¡¯s the thing: I have 70 Stat Points at level 1¡ªwhy is that?

    Daisuke considered that for a while.

    There were just a few theories, the most feasible one being: Despite not awakening as a player, he was recognized as a ?Named NPC? by the System and was steadily growing even without being able to call upon the Status Window.

    In particular, he spent a very long time exercising and training his body to facilitate his¡­ lifestyle during his time in Dusthaven. And he had killed a host of monsters leading up to the Elemental King.

    Whatever the case, simple calculations stated that Daisuke¡¯s Stats landed him around level 19¡­ 26, if it tallied his 70 Stat Points. In other words, he was essentially a kitten wielding a lion¡¯s power. In theory, when he officially got to the double-digit level, he would already be at an overwhelming advantage next to his peers.

    ¡°Okay, now let¡¯s try to pinpoint exactly where the Option Buffs are coming from¡ªmaybe from the titles I got?¡±

    [Lone Wolf]

    [Rank: Rare

    An individual who fearlessly charges into the midst of battles, seeking both glory and wealth. They forsake the comfort of companionship, opting instead to bear the full weight of their conquests alone.

    Title Effect:

    ?? Increases defense by 10% outside of parties.]

    Daisuke looked down at the tattered and torn state of his clothes. ¡°I could definitely use all the defense I can get.¡±

    [Pathfinder]

    [Rank: Epic

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Given to those who have glimpsed the elusive Hidden Dungeon. The initial rank is established by your level of involvement in discovering, entering, clearing, or failing of the Dungeon.

    Title Effect:

    ?? Increases attack power against Dungeon-based monsters by 15%. The percentage scales with the Title¡¯s rank.]

    ¡°Whoa~ that¡¯s pretty cool. I had no idea there were Titles that could grow and get stronger. It would have been fantastic if the attack increase applied to all monsters, no matter where they are, but this will definitely come in handy the next time I enter a Dungeon. It would¡¯ve been a game-changer before the Elemental King fight though,¡± he muttered, pokerfaced.

    [Unwavering Spirit]

    [Rank: Legendary

    In the face of powerlessness, you transcended limitations and defied the odds, achieving a remarkable feat that even those wielding great power would struggle to replicate.

    This astonishing accomplishment stands as a testament to your unwavering determination and extraordinary resolve.

    Title Effect:

    ?? HP Regen Speed +25%

    ?? Strength +15

    ?? Agility +25

    ?? Dexterity +35

    ?? Stamina +12

    ?? 15% Reduction in Damage from Physical Attacks

    ?? Evasion +8%]

    ¡°Wow, this is it¡ªthe Title that¡¯s on steroids! Legendary Rank?¡± he exclaimed, feeling a nervous sweat begin to form. ¡°That¡¯s absolutely insane! But hey... I guess it makes sense. I did put my life on the line, diving into the unknown. They say the greater the risk, the greater the rewards, right?¡±

    [Congenial Denizen]

    [Rank: Unique

    Despite becoming a player, you remain an integral part of Sehreneti¡¯s heritage, akin to any other NPC. You have shared in the world¡¯s blessings and endured its many challenges, earning you the recognition of a fellow local among the general populace.

    Title Effect:

    ?? NPCs will likely trust, respect, and confide in you.]

    ¡°I¡¯m not really sure what to make of this one, but the fact that it¡¯s a Unique Rank must mean it holds more value than I imagine.¡±

    [Dexterity]

    [Enhances agility, hand-eye coordination, and overall finesse, enabling swift movements, precise actions, and heightened accuracy.

    ?? Higher values increase effectiveness.

    ?? Stat Points cannot be manually allocated.]

    [Composure]

    [Fosters decorum and grace under pressure, lessening the likelihood of succumbing to abnormal mental states and significantly reducing their duration if afflicted.

    ?? Higher values increase effectiveness.

    ?? Stat Points cannot be manually allocated.]

    [Indomitable Spirit]

    [Reduces the likelihood of paralysis when losing more than 50% of HP at once.

    ?? Higher values increase effectiveness.

    ?? Stat Points cannot be manually allocated.]

    ¡°The Main Stats are pretty self-explanatory and the Special Stats are pretty impressive, but the skills have me at a complete loss for words.¡±

    [Eye of Verity]

    [Rank: Unique

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Your inherent distrust of people and desire for transparency have culminated in this power bestowed through Alchemy.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Endows the wielder with the ability to discern truth from falsehood, analyze target Stats, and glimpse beyond the boundaries of reality.

    Stamina Cost: 0.7% ? Second

    Skill Cooldown: None]

    [Alchemy]

    [Rank: Unique

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    An ancient and arcane fusion between science and magic, carefully honed to perfection over time by the greatest chemists. Centuries ago, following its completion, the art was sealed away out of fear that its power would fall into the wrong hands.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? By using mana as a catalyst to tap into the Aether Field, Alchemy allows the user to endlessly harness the secrets of nature to transmute, combine, and manipulate matter.

    Mana Cost: N/A

    Skill Cooldown: N/A]

    [¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing]

    [Rank: N/A

    Classification: Passive Skill

    A blessing given in recompense by The Goddess of Harmony.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Bestows longevity and total immunity to negative status conditions, including diseases, poisons, curses, and other abnormalities. Given sufficient rest, the body will also regenerate lost limbs and recover from other disabilities.]

    [Novice Archery Mastery]

    [Rank: Normal

    Classification: Passive Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Frequent use of the bow and arrow in your hunting experiences has awakened and heightened your proficiency in archery.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Increases physical attack power by 5% and accuracy by 10% when using a bow and arrow.

    ?? Enhances your basic marksmanship, including observing atmospheric elements, improving vision, focus, and breath control. As your proficiency grows, your mastery of these techniques will also improve.]

    [Novice Polearm Mastery]

    [Rank: Normal

    Classification: Passive Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Using a crude weapon fashioned into a spear during your hunting excursions has begun to hone your skills with a polearm weapon.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Increases physical attack power by 5% and amplifies attack speed and centrifugal force damage by 10% when wielding a polearm-type weapon.

    ?? Deepens your understanding of polearm combat techniques. With each advancement in proficiency, your mastery of these techniques grows.]

    ??? @%&?]

    [Rank: &^$@%#

    Classification: %$#*&%

    Lvl: X?

    Proficiency: $%?

    @?¦Ç¦·¦Ø?¦µ???¦¸¦«¦Ô?¦Ì¡Ì???¦·¦µ¡Þ¦¸??¦²¦·¦¸¡Ç??¦µ¦µ¦¸?¦·?¦¸?¦µ¦µ?¦·¦µ¦¸?¦·?¨’¡Þ¦²¡Ç???¦µ¦µ¦¸?¦·?¦¸¦µ¦·¦µ¦µ?¦·¦µ¦¸?¦¸?¦²¡Þ??¦·?¦¸¦¸¡Ç?¦·?¦µ¦¸?¦·?¨’¦¸¦¸¦¸¦¸?¦µ¦¸

    Skill Effect:

    $ %$#@*% <>*& %&#$ #@**$&%#^*@ @#$# $&@ +*&%@$$#@#@%*&% @#$%r #@&/ @#%& ?s ©\#@.

    Mana Cost: ?o??

    Skill Cooldown: #$$ &%$#@<%&]

    Daisuke was certain the Composure Stat had a large part to play as he calmly ignored the last skill and focused his attention on the Eye of Verity.

    It¡¯s quite unusual to see a skill that consumes stamina as a resource instead of mana. While 0.4% per second may not sound like a lot, in the heat of combat, you¡¯d be amazed at how quickly your stamina drains. Well, I have some time to spare right now, so might as well put it to the test.

 CHAPTER 35: Blessings - Jupiter & the Goddess of Harmony

    [Eye of Verity]

    [Rank: Unique

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Your inherent distrust of people and desire for transparency have culminated in this power bestowed through Alchemy.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Endows the wielder with the ability to discern truth from falsehood, analyze target Stats, and glimpse beyond the boundaries of reality.

    Stamina Cost: 0.7% ? Second

    Skill Cooldown: None]

    Daisuke skimmed through the details of the skill once more before uttering the words: ¡°Eye of Verity.¡±

    DING!

    [The Eyes of Verity illuminates beyond what you can see.]

    The moment he evoked the words, the world transformed, adopting a monochromatic palette reminiscent of an antique television show from the 19<sup>th</sup> century.

    As Daisuke surveyed the landscape, he marveled at the way highlights, midtones, and shadows painted the scenery in exquisite detail.

    His eyes widened as he turned his gaze to where the Hidden Dungeon had been. Instead of the grayscale surroundings, Daisuke noted a pulsating purple aura where the outcrop had previously stood.

    ¡°This is¡­¡± Is that the residual energy from the Hidden Dungeon? Mmm¡­ I¡¯m sure there¡¯s more to it, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to figure it out right now.

    [Alchemy]

    [Rank: Unique

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    An ancient and arcane fusion between science and magic, carefully honed to perfection over time by the greatest chemists. Centuries ago, following its completion, the art was sealed away out of fear that its power would fall into the wrong hands.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? By using mana as a catalyst to tap into the Aether Field, Alchemy allows the user to endlessly harness the secrets of nature to transmute, combine, and manipulate matter.

    Mana Cost: N/A

    Skill Cooldown: N/A]

    The next skill was Alchemy, but Daisuke wasn¡¯t particularly interested. The description was convoluted and difficult to understand, and what he did comprehend about the discipline simply triggered memories of Reginald and the tragedies that took place at the manor.

    He didn¡¯t want to remember any of that.

    However, he deduced that he had stumbled upon the skill when he opened the grimoire discovered in the secret chamber. The moment he acquired both skills¡ªthe Eye of Verity and Alchemy¡ªwas punctuated by his bleeding eyes and the book missing its text.

    [¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing]

    [Rank: N/A

    Classification: Passive Skill

    A blessing given in recompense by The Goddess of Harmony.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Bestows longevity and total immunity to negative status conditions, including diseases, poisons, curses, and other abnormalities. Given sufficient rest, the body will also regenerate lost limbs and recover from other disabilities.]

    ¡°Goddess?¡± Daisuke murmured, his curiosity piqued as he assessed the next skill that was clearly a passive. ¡°How do you even pronounce the name? What language is that? And why isn¡¯t there even a rating for it?¡±

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    He had a hunch that the skill¡¯s description hinted at a direct connection between this so-called Goddess and the mystery enveloping his virtual life.

    Yet, his intuition urged him to focus on advancing rather than dwelling on hypothetical answers. Whatever the case, this Goddess¡¯s blessing was undeniably a game-breaking cheat that completely undermined the balance of the game.

    Many players and monsters relied on ?debuff? and ?crowd control? skills to gain an advantage in battle. Debuff and CC skills were quite similar, as they both inflicted status ailments and other conditions on a target, hindering their ability to function properly.

    Negative statuses like paralysis, poison, and blindness were just a few, and complete immunity meant none of them would affect Daisuke. In addition to the benefit of always being levels above his peers, he now didn¡¯t need to fear losing that advantage by an annoying skill.

    Longevity was much appreciated, but Daisuke suspected that didn¡¯t mean he was invulnerable to death.

    ??? @%&?]

    [Rank: &^$@%#

    Classification: @#$&%*

    Lvl: X?

    Proficiency: $%?

    @?¦Ç¦·¦Ø?¦µ???¦¸¦«¦Ô?¦Ì¡Ì???¦·¦µ¡Þ¦¸??¦²¦·¦¸¡Ç??¦µ¦µ¦¸?¦·?¦¸?¦µ¦µ?¦·¦µ¦¸?¦·?¨’¡Þ¦²¡Ç???¦µ¦µ¦¸?¦·?¦¸¦µ¦·¦µ¦µ?¦·¦µ¦¸?¦¸?¦²¡Þ??¦·?¦¸¦¸¡Ç?¦·?¦µ¦¸?¦·?¨’¦¸¦¸¦¸¦¸?¦µ¦¸

    Skill Effect:

    $ %$#@*% <>*& %&#$ #@**$&%#^*@ @#$# $&@ +*&%@$$#@#@%*&% @#$%r #@&/ @#%& ?s ©\#@.

    Mana Cost: ?o??

    Skill Cooldown: #$$ &%$#@<%&]

    ¡°Aughh,¡± Daisuke sighed, palming his face.

    MMORPGs were known for having few bugs, and Sehreneti Online was celebrated as a flawless game in this regard, leaving only one speculation: Jupiter.

    Hacking the game didn¡¯t go as intended, but it appeared that a lone script had managed to slip through the robust firewall and become entwined with his own source code.

    As he watched the fragmented information on the skill window flicker and phase in and out like a digital seizure, he couldn¡¯t help but swallow that theory.

    Then again, it could be something entirely different, as Sehreneti, in and of itself, was an enigma. This was further evidenced by the fact that he had acquired polearm and archery mastery simply by wielding the makeshift weapons he had crafted from bamboo and wood.

    ¡°Now... about these 70 Stat Points,¡± murmured Daisuke, his hand cupping his chin in thought. While the game did follow the conventional method of allowing users to create their player at the character creation screen, acquiring skills was a whole different ball game.

    To accentuate the scope of freedom in the game, instead of choosing from a generic list of skills for a specific class, players could acquire new skills and abilities in a variety of different ways.

    Similar to the real world, skills could be acquired through various means, including instruction from a teacher or coach, self-study, observation, or even by sheer coincidence through repeated actions.

    Titles, ?Skill Books?, and equipment also had the potential to grant skills. The System closely monitored players and facilitated their growth by providing abilities that complemented their innate characteristics.

    As for me, Daisuke contemplated, I¡¯ve always been the confrontational type in video games, so I¡¯m leaning towards a melee build. But definitely not a tank. Tanks might focus on defense, but their role is to draw aggro and keep the monsters occupied while the DPS¡ªDamage Dealers¡ªchip away at their health.

    Tanks basically live in the danger zone, and as a result, they die all the time. But I¡¯m not sure what awaits me after death, so I¡¯d rather opt for a build with a higher survivability rate.

    With that in mind, I think Speed, Dexterity, Strength, and Stamina should be my main focus. Sure, my build wouldn¡¯t be solely focused on strength and defense, but with explosive speed, I could evade attacks and continue dealing damage safely until the enemy¡¯s down.

    ¡°A battle of attrition.¡±

    HP: 204/270 | MP: 15/15

    Strength: 3 (+15) | Stamina: 3 (+12) | Agility: 12 (+25) | Intelligence: 1 | Dexterity: 10 (+35) | Composure: 5 | Indomitable: 3

    Stat Points: 70]

    DING!

    [Investing 20 Stat Points into Strength. Is this correct?]

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    [Once Stat Points are allocated, it cannot be reversed. Do you still wish to proceed?]

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    [Investing 20 Stat Points into Stamina. Is this correct?]

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    [Investing 20 Stat Points into Agility. Is this correct?]

    [Investing 10 Stat Points into Intelligence. Is this correct?]

    ¡°I¡¯ve been playing games long enough to know that I¡¯ll be needing MP for skills soon,¡± he said as he clenched and unclenched his fingers, testing his strength. ¡°So, I figured I would at least invest 10 Stat Points into it.¡±

    Now he was jogging in place, a smile spreading across his lips. ¡°I feel much lighter than I did a few minutes ago. It may have only been 70 Stat Points, but I can definitely feel the difference.¡±

    HP: 301/465 | MP: 15/65

    Strength: 23 (+15) | Stamina: 23 (+12) | Agility: 32 (+25) | Intelligence: 11 | Dexterity: 10 (+35) | Composure: 5 | Indomitable: 3

    Stat Points: 0]

    ¡°Inventory.¡±

    At his command, a blue window boasting an aesthetically pleasing design materialized. It displayed dozens of slots organized into different categories¡ªItems, Equipment, Consumables, Materials, and more.

    Slipping his hand into the thumbnail depicting the items slot felt akin to dipping his hand into a reservoir of room temperature water. But, in fact, it was a different dimension.

    After stowing the shards of Mana Crystals and other items he had in his pockets, Daisuke found that simply reaching into the right category and envisioning what he wanted to retrieve was enough to summon the item to his hand.

    ¡°Now that that¡¯s all figured out,¡± he said nervously, ¡°it¡¯s time for the moment of truth.¡±

    Daisuke dreaded what he would find if he looked, but after conditioning his mind, he dismissed the inventory window and tried searching for the logout button.

    There was none.

    ¡°Figures.¡±

    While he could access the Leaderboard and the like in the ?Main Menu?, he was completely barred from accessing the internet, troubleshooting, or even customer service.

    For a fleeting moment, he entertained the idea of reaching out to a player and utilizing them as an intermediary to make contact with the GMs, also known as the ?Game Masters?. Yet, a creeping suspicion told him that perhaps it wasn¡¯t the wisest course of action. Contacting the game¡¯s developers might not be the right approach either.

    Was his mind merely uploaded onto the game as a copy? If so, did his original self know about this duplicate? If he did, wouldn¡¯t he have already scoured the entire game searching for his doppelganger by now?

    Alternatively, if his mind was cut and pasted like a piece of text into a host body, doesn¡¯t that mean his original body was already long eaten by worms and rendered to bones by now?

    Setting aside the depressing thought, Daisuke summoned the Status Window to inspect the weapon he had acquired from the Elemental King raid. Yet, as his gaze traversed the interface, he couldn¡¯t help but notice a particular section adjacent to the character screen¡ªthe companion menu.

    Daisuke¡¯s lips quivered. ¡°¡­It can¡¯t be!¡±

    His heart raced, torn between anticipation and trepidation. Doing his best to still his nerves, he steered towards the screen, and in the next moment, his eyes widened with sheer shock.

    [Name: Zephyr]

 CHAPTER 36: The Breath of Wind

    [Name: Zephyr

    Level: 2 | EXP: 620/626 (99.04%)

    Race: Divine Beast

    Species: Wolf

    HP: 502/502 | MP: 261/261 | Attack: 38 | Defense: 41 | Satiety: 76/100 | Loyalty: 35/100

    Strength: 7 (+30) | Constitution: 10 (+30) | Agility: 15 (+30) | Intelligence: 20 (+30) | Dexterity: 12 (+30) | Courage: 20 (+30)

    Active Skills:

    ?? Antagonize

    ?? Gallop

    ?? Extreme Speed

    Passive Skills:

    ?? Hidden]

    Upon examining the screen closely, Daisuke realized that Zephyr had an automatic revival feature upon death. However, there was a catch: the time it took for the canine to revive increased by twenty-four hours for every ten levels he gained. Currently at level two, Zephyr revived after twenty-four hours, but at level twenty, it would take forty-eight hours. Level thirty would require seventy-two hours, and so on.

    The other option for reviving Zephyr was to feed him Divine Extract. However, one question remained unanswered.

    Did the System assign him as my companion in the event that I become a player?

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes softened as he set aside his pondering and redirected his attention to the summon button at the bottom of the screen. With a gentle click, a swirling tower of golden light materialized, casting a radiant glow that outshone the warm sunlight filtering through the leaves.

    From within the luminous vortex emerged Zephyr, his grin unrestrained and his tail wagging with elation. With a cheerful leap, he pounced toward Daisuke, who tumbled backward against the tree, his heart overflowing with happiness.

    Zephyr¡¯s eyes sparkled with delight as he showered Daisuke with joyful licks, conveying his boundless excitement. And at his endearing whine, Daisuke hung his head, his eyes concealed by fringes of silver hair.

    ¡°Jeez¡ªyou could¡¯ve mentioned you were some kind of majestic wolf,¡± Daisuke murmured, a hint of petulance in his voice as a rueful smile tugged at his lips. ¡°I spent all this time thinking you were just some stray mutt.¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu~¡±

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry,¡± he gritted his teeth, his body tense. ¡°Because of my weakness, I ended up letting you get hurt. I¡­ I should¡¯ve found some way to save¡ª¡±

    ¡°Kiyuu,¡± Zephyr chimed, as if in protest.

    Daisuke¡¯s expression hardened, devoid of any trace of emotion. ¡°...I would understand,¡± he began, his voice chillingly cold, ¡°if you didn¡¯t want to stick around me anymore. You¡¯d actually be better off on your own.¡±

    Zephyr licked his cheek, giving his answer.

    Daisuke trembled slightly. ¡°¡­Just so you know, I plan to get revenge against those guys¡­ so there¡¯s a chance you might get hurt again.¡±

    ¡°Arf!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s wet eyes could finally be seen, and he tousled the canine¡¯s head in playful affection. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to have you on the team, O¡¯ Mighty Divine Beast.¡±

    DING!

    [The title ?Master of Divine Beast? has been acquired.]

    [Master of Divine Beast]

    [Rank: Legendary

    Earning the affection and unwavering loyalty of a Divine Beast transcends the abilities of even the most skilled beast tamers. In reverence to the bond woven through trials and tribulations, Zephyr pledges to safeguard his master with every essence of his being, a vow sealed in blood and tears for eternity.

    Title Effect:

    ?? All Stats will increase by 12% while hunting with Zephyr.

    ?? If your health falls below 25%, Zephyr will rush to your side. In that moment, his Strength, Defense, and Agility will increase by 40% for 60 Seconds.]

    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Daisuke allowed a solemn smile. ¡°¡­Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Woof~¡±

    ¡°By the way,¡± Daisuke began in a hushed tone, breaking into a sweat. ¡°I know you¡¯re a Divine Beast and all, but what¡¯s up with these Stats? 264 Stat Points in total at level 2? And here I thought I was special.¡±

    [Antagonize]

    [Rank: Normal

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Howls and exerts fighting spirit to provoke one or many adversaries into mortal combat.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Enemies ensnared by the lure of provocation are compelled to direct their attention towards the caster. This effect persists for 3 minutes or until one of the combatants perishes.

    Mana Cost: 40

    Skill Cooldown: None]

    [Gallop]

    [Rank: Rare

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Employs mana to greatly increase Agility.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Increases Movement Speed by 30%.

    Mana Cost: 10 ? Minute

    Skill Cooldown: None]

    [Extreme Speed]

    [Rank: Epic

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Oxygen floods the bloodstream and electrified mana is summoned to the legs to significantly bolster Agility and Dexterity.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Doubles Movement Speed for 30 seconds.

    ?? High-speed attacks have a 35% chance of inflicting the ?Paralysis? Status on the target and a 10% chance of inducing temporary ?Blindness?.

    Mana Cost: 100

    Skill Duration: 30 Seconds

    Skill Cooldown: 20 Minutes]

    ¡°Not surprisingly, your skills are pretty over the top too,¡± Daisuke remarked, acknowledging the impressive abilities of his furry companion. The hidden passive skill has me curious, but I guess I¡¯ll cross that bridge when I get there. ¡°What do you say we put your skills to the test?¡±

    ¡°Arf~¡±

    Daisuke grinned darkly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as he appraised the weapon he received from the raid. ¡°I¡¯m pretty psyched to see what I¡¯m capable of too.¡±

    [Crude Bonepick]

    [Rank: Normal

    Type: Dagger

    Melee Attack Power: 16~20 | Durability: 8/46

    A crude weapon resembling a dagger, crafted from the bones of an ill-fated goblin. Although not designed for slashing attacks, it excels at piercing strikes and carries a chance of inflicting the ?Bleed? Status on the target.

    ?? Chance of triggering Bleed 15%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 1+ | Strength 1+ | Stamina 1+]

    [Bleed Status]

    [The target¡¯s health will decline by 0.5% per second for 30 seconds. Duration can also be dependent on the level and grade of the weapon or skill used to apply the status effect, as well as the target¡¯s level of resistance.]

    ***

    [Horned Rabbit | Lvl 1 | General]

    Daisuke¡¯s fingers clenched firmly around the hilt of his new weapon as he crouched amidst the dense shrubbery. Through blades of grass, he watched his vigilant prey. The crimson eyes of a Horned Rabbit swept across its surroundings as it grazed in an open field.

    Disregarding the blue and yellow hues representing Mana and Stamina, Daisuke¡¯s gaze fixed upon the red horizontal line at the top left corner of his field of vision. The thin strip of graphics was his ?HP bar?¡ªa visual representation of his life force.

    He hadn¡¯t rested until it was entirely full, so there was roughly fifteen percent missing. Or, to be more specific, he was eighty-five percent closer to a grim fate.

    He had always feared death, but a visual rendering that was constantly reminding him of how close he stood to the precipice was very unnerving.

    ¡°Rawrwu.¡±

    Zephyr¡¯s soft chime stirred him from his thoughts, and in an instant, Daisuke¡¯s world transformed, butterscotch eyes blazing with intensity. His eyes locked onto the Horned Rabbit, and in that electrifying moment, his muscles tightened and coiled like springs. He inhaled deeply, each breath filling his veins with a surge of oxygen.

    With an explosive burst of power, he propelled himself forward, closing the distance to his prey in the blink of an eye. The Horned Rabbit, sensing impending doom, desperately tried to evade, but it was no match for the relentless predator closing in.

    Daisuke¡¯s bone icepick traced a deadly arc through the air, carving a long, ivory line into the creature¡¯s torso as it attempted to leap to safety.

    [Critical]

    [98 damage dealt.]

    A pained squeak escaped the beast, but Daisuke¡¯s determination was unyielding. With impressive dexterity¡ªa reflection of his enhanced Stats¡ªhe deftly altered the course of his weapon mid-strike, driving the monster forcefully into the unforgiving ground.

    WHAM!

    [12 damage dealt.]

    The impact resonated through the earth, a testament to Daisuke¡¯s newfound strength and skill. And the monster stilled beneath his weapon, its white coat stained crimson with blood.

    DING!

    [You have slain a ?Horned Rabbit?!]

    [22.3 Experience Points gained.]

    [Horned Rabbit Hide x2 has been acquired.]

    [Zephyr gained 7.8 Experience Points.]

    [Zephyr¡¯s level has risen!]

    [Zephyr has learnt the skill ?Ember?.]

    Daisuke¡¯s head snapped up, his eyes locking onto yet another Horned Rabbit lurking in the distance. The earth dented as he kicked off the ground, his weapon raised and poised, glinting with an aura of deadly purpose.

    Levels one, two, five¡ªDaisuke¡¯s relentless hunt unfolded as he pursued the Horned Rabbit, Malevocroak, and Forest Imp. However, instead of a reenactment of his previous encounters where traps were used to incapacitate the monsters, this time he hurled himself into the fray with the ferocity of a true warrior.

    PLOW!

    Shrill cries, crimson tides, lifeless eyes¡ªDaisuke maneuvered around the monsters in a blur, his weapon slicing through the air, staving through skin and flesh, plunging the fiends into oblivion.

    ¡°Arf~¡±

    As Daisuke slowly pulled his weapon from the neck of a Forest Imp, Zephyr leaped from the confines of his clothes. No sooner had he noted the canine¡¯s telling expression than he heard the heavy footsteps of a nearby beast.

    DUUM! DUUM! DUUM!

    Just a few hours ago, his first impulse would have been to flee or find cover. But now, everything was different; now, he was a player. Unlocking his Status Window had emancipated him from a life of guaranteed powerlessness and sorrow.

    Now, he hungered for power¡ªenough power to safeguard himself and his loved ones. To achieve that goal, he couldn¡¯t afford to shrink from every threat. While others saw peril, Daisuke saw potential.

    Concealed within the dense thicket, Daisuke moved stealthily, keeping close to the earth as he inched closer to the source of the footsteps.

    There, through the curtain of foliage, he caught sight of a familiar monster trudging through the forest. And his eyes narrowed, gleaning with purpose.

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve located the first target of our revenge.¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu~¡±

 CHAPTER 37: The Cusp of Revenge

    A muscular blue hand pushed through the undergrowth as a large bipedal beast sniffed the air.

    The two imposing tusks protruding from its jaws gleamed in the sunlight. A loincloth was cinched around its waist, a pair of wristlet and anklet made of monster hide on each limb, and a necklace crafted of miniature skulls hung eerily around its neck.

    It surveyed the area with careful scrutiny, detecting the scent of potential prey. A small yellow bar appeared over its head, which meant it had entered a state of curious suspicion.

    The name of monsters had different colors that indicated their relative strength and level compared to a player¡ªwhite signified weakness, orange, averageness, and red meant it was strong. Monsters were also classified into various tiers based on power¡ªGeneral, Champion, Elite, and Giant. There were also ?Field Bosses? that were the most powerful.

    Daisuke¡¯s hands moved with a frenzied determination. He braided strips of bamboo fibers into a thick, strong cord, each strand interlocking with the next.

    The fibers groaned under the tension as he stretched the cord taut between two towering tree trunks, their thick bases serving as makeshift anchors.

    As the monster¡¯s thunderous footsteps drew nearer, Daisuke¡¯s own pulse thundered in his veins. He found a large, smooth rock on the forest floor. With his heart pounding in his chest, he loaded it into the pocket of his giant slingshot, its sturdy cord quivering in anticipation.

    The fiend, oblivious that it was being targeted, drew closer, its grotesque form now visible through the dense underbrush. Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits, his Composure Stat stilling his nerves as he lined up his shot.

    The monster¡¯s bulbous eye, an inviting target, filled his vision. Time seemed to stand still as Daisuke released the taut bamboo cord. With a powerful snap, the rock shot forward, propelled by the pent-up energy of the bamboo fibers.

    A split-second later, the projectile found its mark with unnerving precision, puncturing the bastard¡¯s eyeball. A guttural roar of agony echoed through the forest as the creature stumbled backward, its monstrous form writhing in pain.

    Simultaneously, the yellow cursor that marked the targeted monster¡¯s location transitioned from white to yellow, then from yellow to a striking red. This change indicated the creature¡¯s shift from passive to cautious, and finally to ¡°target acquired.¡± Above its head, its name, level, and HP bar appeared.

    [Exiled Hilitroll Chief | Lvl 17 | Field Boss]

    With a mere mental command, Daisuke¡¯s weapon materialized into existence, its form solidifying within his grasp. His eyes narrowed as he observed the troll¡¯s name, etched in red within the System¡¯s interface. This meant the monster was at least ten levels above him, but he didn¡¯t despair.

    ¡°Grr!¡±

    In a flash of fur and fangs, Zephyr lunged forward, his agile form a blur of motion. He targeted the tendons just above the monster¡¯s heels, sinking his teeth into the fibrous tissue. Yet, as swiftly as they were torn through, they rapidly began regenerating.

    Daisuke frowned. As I thought¡­ fighting it head on is just a complete waste of time.

    Before the monstrous fiend could regain its balance, Zephyr twirled and lunged forward again, aiming for the jugular with deadly intent. But the creature¡¯s reflexes proved faster.

    Using its massive club as an anchor, the troll bent its back and replaced its vulnerable neck with a large palm. Caught mid-air, Zephyr found himself in a perilous situation.

    ¡°Zephyr!¡± Daisuke¡¯s frantic cry filled the air as he charged forward to save his loyal companion. However, the troll, its beady eye flashing with cunning, abruptly righted its form, hurling the canine like a projectile towards the approaching human.

    Daisuke grunted as the pup collided into his chest like a cannonball, sending them both crashing to the ground. As they lay vulnerable, the beast unleashed a deafening roar and charged forward, wielding its massive club menacingly.

    Daisuke paled.

    Just below his own, a small window depicted Zephyr¡¯s HP and MP¡ªand both health bars just went down significantly.

    The world of Sehreneti Online was nothing more than a rendering of a 3D virtual reality. But for Daisuke, it was more than just a game. His entire existence was a complex interplay of ones and zeros within this digital realm.

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    As far as he was concerned, this virtual landscape transcended mere simulation; it was his reality, and everything within it was undeniably real.

    To that end, while his health bar being reduced was nothing more than a collection of numbers that showed his hit points, it held profound significance far beyond simple data.

    Securing Zephyr into his clothes, Daisuke pushed to his feet and desperately started retreating along the beaten path. The troll immediately gave chase, its predatory instincts triggered by the fleeing prey. But when it found itself plummeting into a gaping pitfall, the line between predator and prey suddenly blurred.

    The troll grunted in outrage. It leaped as high as it could, but its hands couldn¡¯t reach the upper rim of the hole. As it looked around urgently for a foothold, it noted the layers of dry foliage that coated the inner walls of the pit.

    Stupefied, the beast looked up, hoping to make sense of the situation through Daisuke¡¯s facial expression. But his face was entirely blank; only traces of contempt and malice could be seen, and the promise of a grim fate.

    Enraged, the troll hurled its club at the cheeky human, but Daisuke simply stepped back. The weapon crashed into the canopy of the trees overhead, and then Zephyr stepped forward, his maw aflame.

    The troll¡¯s eyes widened in dread, the glow of many fireballs reflected in them. It shielded its face from the fiery onslaught, but its body wasn¡¯t the target of the flames.

    The moment the foliage caught fire, the beast went on a rampage, but its fury couldn¡¯t alter the course of its predicament. And it roared and grunted a curse as Daisuke started sealing the hole with a blanket of leafy branches he had woven together beforehand.

    As powerful as you are, especially with your crazy regenerative abilities, your physiological makeup is just like ours. You need air to breathe and survive, and no hulking muscles or sharp teeth can change that.

    As the flames of revenge consumed their adversary, Daisuke rested beneath a nearby tree, his hand gently caressing Zephyr¡¯s head as somber thoughts overshadowed savagery.

    He couldn¡¯t deny the gratitude he felt for becoming a player, but after spending twelve years in the game and losing everything in the real world, Sehreneti had started to feel more like home than the world beyond its virtual borders.

    The heads-up display, or HUD, was a constant presence in his field or vision, providing graphical and textual information such as health bars, minimaps, and notifications.

    While it made the world resemble a proper game for the very first time, it also draped a shadow of depression over him. His existence now seemed trivial and insignificant, with the perpetual sight of his health bar leaving him in a perpetual state of unease.

    Consequently, he couldn¡¯t help but disable most of the visual effects, choosing to focus solely on essential information like monster details and reward notifications. These were the few sources of good news that brought him comfort amidst the gloom of his virtual existence.

    All of a sudden, a world message appeared on the screen.

    [Haxks has slain the Field Boss ?Exiled Hilitroll Chief?.]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [The title ?Devoted Hunter? has been acquired.]

    [Sturdy Club has been acquired.]

    [Small HP Recovery Potion x2 has been acquired.]

    [Vitaberry x8 has been acquired.]

    [Troll Essence x3 has been acquired.]

    [Exiled Hilitroll Chief Tusk x2 has been acquired.]

    [Horned Rabbit Hide x7 has been acquired.]

    [Forest Imp Tail x12 has been acquired.]

    [Malevocroak¡¯s Legs x4 has been acquired.]

    [Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang x16 has been acquired.]

    [8 Gold has been acquired.]

    [Zephyr¡¯s level has risen!]

    [Zephyr¡¯s level has risen!]

    [Zephyr¡¯s level has risen!]

    [Zephyr¡¯s level has risen!]

    ¡°10 levels and world recognition for hardly doing anything,¡± Daisuke said in disbelief. I know it was a level 17 Field Boss, but 10 levels are kind of¡­ and why did I get materials from other monsters too?

    ¡°Anyway,¡± he remarked, a wry smile tugging at his lips. ¡°I suppose that just goes to show how much the tables have turned now that I¡¯m a player. Well then, let¡¯s see what this new title is all about.¡±

    [Devoted Hunter]

    [Rank: Epic

    A hunter invests a significant amount of time and effort in studying their prey¡ªobserving their behavior, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as their habitats and habits, all in order to effectively capture and eliminate them.

    Title Effect:

    ?? Monsters ensnared by traps are susceptible to a 50% increase in both physical and magical attacks.]

    ¡°Whoa~ that¡¯s pretty overpowered,¡± exclaimed Daisuke, ¡°but I can¡¯t say I¡¯ll be using traps as much as I did today.¡±

    ¡°Kyu~¡±

    ¡°You little powerhouse,¡± Daisuke ruffled the canine¡¯s tiny head. ¡°You managed to land 4 levels as well.¡±

    ¡°Arf!¡±

    Daisuke didn¡¯t need to assign Zephyr to the party; Companions automatically received EXP, or ?Experience Points?, in battle once they were summoned and within range. Additionally, EXP distribution could be toggled on or off, or adjusted as needed. Presently, Daisuke had it set at a ratio of 4:6 for Zephyr and himself, respectively.

    [Name: Zephyr

    Level: 7 | EXP: 3,947/7,656 (51.55%)

    Race: Divine Beast

    Species: Wolf

    HP: 1360/1360 | MP: 323/323 | Attack: 65 | Defense: 68 | Satiety 63/100 | Loyalty 35/100

    Strength: 32 (+30) | Constitution: 35 (+30) | Agility: 40 (+30) | Intelligence: 29 (+30) | Dexterity: 26 (+30) | Courage: 22 (+30)]

    ¡°I see your Stats are as abnormal as ever,¡± Daisuke murmured as he scratched the back of his head. ¡°Though I guess I¡¯m not one to talk. Mmm¡­¡±

    For each level gained, players received ten Stat Points that could only be distributed to their Main Stats.

    But judging by these changes, it seems that Zephyr not only gains 20 Stat Points per level, but they can also be allocated to any Stat, Daisuke noted. Well, I guess that¡¯s fair¡ªyou can¡¯t use equipment like we can, after all.¡±

    GROWL~

    ¡°I¡¯m starving,¡± whined Daisuke, cupping his belly. ¡°How about we head back to town for now?¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu~¡±

 VOLUME II: SPITE & PERIL | CHAPTER 38: The Wind that Fills Thy Sails

    ¡°Aghhh~¡± the long sigh came from a weary male adventurer, his frustration echoing off the dark stone walls of the dungeon. His two companions behind him shared his exasperation. ¡°Man, we¡¯ve been at this for almost a week now! Are you sure that piece of junk even works?¡±

    ¡°O-Of course it does!¡± came a small voice in defense. ¡°It¡¯s my grandfather¡¯s invention so, of course, it works!¡±

    ¡°Sounds to me like your confidence is a bit misplaced.¡±

    The young boy leading the group pouted in response to the remark, but he continued hugging the rough-hewn walls of the chamber. In his hand, he held a metal staff with a ring at the tip, a magic circle aglow around its circumference.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a prototype, so its sensitivity isn¡¯t all that great. But it works just like a divining rod,¡± he explained. ¡°If I keep it close to the walls, we may be able to pick up the signature of a hidden Crystal Field.¡±

    The two girls at the rear of the group, a cleric and mage, rolled their eyes simultaneously, their patience worn thin by the boy¡¯s unwavering optimism.

    The other male, judging by his gear, obviously playing the role of the group¡¯s tank, laced his fingers behind his neck wearily. ¡°I swear, it¡¯s in moments like these that I regret becoming an adventurer. I should have stuck to being a normal player like everybody else. To hell with being a Good Samaritan.¡±

    Just as the girls were about to nod in agreement, the boy suddenly exclaimed, ¡°Ah¡ª¡± the staff began to glow, illuminating the eerie dungeon. ¡°I-I think it found something!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding!¡± the tank¡¯s eyes popped open in disbelief. ¡°That stupid thing actually works?!¡±

    ¡°I think we¡¯re about to find out,¡± said the mage as she raised her own staff tellingly. ¡°Everyone get back!¡±

    Her eyes glowed beneath the large rim of her witch hat, and a crimson aura engulfed her body as she began her spell. Her voice echoed with power, resonating through the chamber: ¡°By the ancient power of flame, I summon thee to do my bidding. Pierce through the veil of darkness and burn thine enemies to cinders with your unyielding wrath. Let nothing stand in your way. Fireball!¡±

    The air quivered as a sphere of blazing inferno formed at the tip of her staff, its fiery heart growing brighter by the second. With a mighty thrust, she unleashed the flames upon the stubborn wall.

    The explosion that followed sent rocks and debris hurtling in all directions, and when the smoke cleared, a magnificent Crystal Field stood before them. Shards of blue crystal sprouted from the ground and walls like a radiant garden, their glow illuminating the small fissure that held their prize.

    For a moment, everyone was dumbfounded. Then the tank¡ª

    ¡°No freakin¡¯ way!¡± he exclaimed, eyes sparkling like lanterns. ¡°Gale, you actually did it.¡±

    Gale clung to his grandfather¡¯s invention and sighed with a smile of relief. The mage jumped up and down with excitement; the days of sleeping on the hard ground and eating rodents and insects were finally coming to an end.

    But the cleric¡¯s attention was elsewhere. Something was amiss, and it wasn¡¯t long before she noticed a purple haze filling the chamber. ¡°Is this¡­?¡±

    The earth¡¯s rising tremor quickly answered her question. And it wasn¡¯t long before a horde of monsters started pouring into the room, their eyes crazed, fangs and claws poised to rip and rend.

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    ¡°W-What¡¯s happening?¡±

    ¡°Are those¡­?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a bunch of monsters coming this way!¡±

    The tank, Gale, and the mage all said in a frenzied panic.

    ¡°This purple mist,¡± the cleric began, her expression crumpling. ¡°It¡¯s used to attract monsters! But why would¡ª¡±

    Everyone¡¯s attention suddenly veered back to the Crystal Field, their eyes widening in horror.

    ¡°Run!¡± the tank bellowed the command as he unsheathed his sword, his helmet manifesting on his head from his inventory. ¡°I¡¯ll hold them off.¡±

    ¡°Health Regen. Rock Skin. Mana Shell. Dragon Lungs.¡±

    The man¡¯s body strobed with different color lights as the cleric applied a series of buffs. The mage held her staff at the ready, an incantation for a spell at the forefront of her mind as all three bolted toward the other entrance to the chamber.

    But it was futile; monsters began flooding in from that direction as well. The mage pivoted her head around, hoping for all three to combine their might in helping their tank to break through the deluge of monsters in the rear.

    ¡°Uwwaahhhk!¡±

    But it was too late¡ªthe sound of ripping flesh and breaking bones erupted from the back as the man was swept up by the monsters. And, like two cyclones colliding, the remaining three adventurers were torn asunder by the converging forces. Four columns of light ascended, portraying the deaths of the unfortunate players.

    Phosphorescent rocks were embedded in the walls of the dungeon. Their dim lighting illuminated the bloodied maws and fangs of the animated monsters. They looked around eagerly, eyes still glazed as they sought a purpose.

    ¡°Nheiigh,¡± a reptilian monster whipped its long neck around when an open vial containing a yellow liquid hit the ground right next to it.

    The moment the liquid was exposed to the air, it turned into a haze that quickly enveloped the chamber. The monsters were immediately repulsed by the odor, and they frantically dispersed, vanishing through both exits.

    The cave fell silent, and the haze slowly dissipated, revealing the shadowed figure of a small-statured girl emerging from the gloom.

    ***

    Zephyr was just about to lick the last of the barbecue sauce from a large bone when Daisuke confiscated it. The canine watched with a whimper as the delicious treat disappeared into his companion¡¯s inventory.

    ¡°Sorry, boy, but we need to get going,¡± explained Daisuke repentantly. ¡°I¡¯ll buy you more barbecue later, so you¡¯ll have two bones to chew on for the next 6 hours.¡±

    ¡°Woof~¡±

    Zephyr¡¯s drooping ears and tail perked back up in excitement, and he darted around in a circle with a burst of enthusiasm.

    ¡°Safe travels!¡± the shopkeeper called out with a wave as his patrons began to depart from the outdoor dining area. ¡°Thank you for your business, and until next time!¡±

    Leaving the stall behind, Daisuke strolled down Main Street toward the bustling shopping district, where larger stores and restaurants awaited. But he already had a full stomach; what he required was a new suit of clothes, and Harrington Threads was not on his agenda.

    Turning away from the store with its ornate signpost, Daisuke pressed forward, scanning his surroundings until he reached his destination.

    Unlike Harrington¡¯s, this store had a simple wooden signpost bearing the word ¡°Equipment,¡± etched into the wood, accompanied by a suspended breastplate.

    RING-RING~

    As Daisuke entered the store, the gentle tinkling of a bell above the door welcomed his arrival. The air was imbued with the subtle scent of leather and metal. From the back, the owner¡¯s voice echoed in a melodious, feminine tone, ¡°I¡¯ll be with you in just a moment!¡±

    While he waited to be attended to, Daisuke seized the opportunity to survey the store. The walls were adorned with an array of armor pieces, each crafted in distinct styles and from diverse materials. Illuminated by lighting fixtures powered by Mana Crystals, the armors were artfully showcased, lending the store an enchanting atmosphere.

    Rows of wooden mannequins and clothing racks were strategically placed throughout the expansive space, each one displaying a different set of equipment tailored for various classes. Daisuke observed armor crafted from leather, finely woven fabric, rugged monster hide, and an assortment of other materials.

    The diversity was staggering; there were options of the highest quality for those who sought the best protection, as well as more affordable choices for those just starting their adventures.

    It was a place where a nobleman seeking a suit of gleaming plate armor could stand side by side with a humble hunter searching for a sturdy leather jerkin¡ªeach from a different social class.

    CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!

    A tall figure rounded the corner. She wore tight-fitted pants neatly tucked into armored high heel shoes, and a particularly revealing vest showcased a toned chest covered in downy hair.

 CHAPTER 39: Guildmasterâ€™s Assembly

    ¡°Mmm¡­ how can I help you today, sweetie?¡± asked the woman with a hand on one hitched hip, the gentle words escaping painted and puckered lips.

    Daisuke¡¯s expression remained unchanged, a testament to his Composure Stat and his respectful acknowledgment of the transgender community.

    ¡°Hi. I¡¯m looking to buy some gear.¡±

    ¡°Well, honey,¡± she blinked her thickly lashed eyelids, the sheen and luster of her hair outshining any girl Daisuke had seen before. ¡°You¡¯ve come to the right place.¡±

    With a nod, Daisuke browsed the equipment on display. ¡°I¡¯m on a bit of a budget though. I¡¯m looking for something functional but not too expensive.¡±

    The woman¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement as she pulled a measuring tool from her back pocket with a flourish, like it was a weapon. ¡°Fabulous and stylish! Got it!¡±

    ¡°Wait¡ªwhat?¡±

    Before Daisuke could protest, the woman was spinning him around like a top and taking his measurements in a blur of movement. Zephyr spilled out from underneath his shirt like cookie dough, completely disoriented.

    ¡°Oh my~¡± the woman beamed like a child, lifting the pupper as if it were a fluffy marshmallow. ¡°Who¡¯s this little cutie?!¡±

    ¡°B-Blergh,¡± Daisuke struggled to prevent himself from regurgitating the valuable food he had just consumed, which would have been equivalent to squandering a few copper coins.

    Before he could still the mutinous grumble of his stomach, the spirited woman was already shoving him into a changing room and taking a seat outside, legs crossed. Meanwhile, Zephyr was happily gnawing on his bone.

    The curtain of the changing room shifted and out shuffled Daisuke, clad in a bulky suit of armor. ¡°Don¡¯t think¡­ these are good for mobility,¡± he muttered while struggling to remain balanced.

    The store owner chuckled and shook her head. ¡°Perhaps not the best choice for you.¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu~¡±

    Next Daisuke donned a flamboyant and extremely revealing outfit. He glanced at himself in the mirror, his eyes dreary. ¡°Pretty sure I would get arrested for indecent exposure in this one,¡± he quipped, earning a hearty laugh from the owner.

    Now Daisuke emerged wearing the store¡¯s finest ensemble fit for a Duke. It was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, but he couldn¡¯t help but sigh. ¡°I¡¯d probably have to start auctioning off my organs to afford this one,¡± he joked, a wry smile playing on his lips.

    The store owner grinned awkwardly. ¡°And I¡¯m pretty sure you need those to survive.¡±

    ¡°Kyuu~¡±

    ¡°Well, we do have more practical options,¡± she offered. ¡°Let¡¯s find something that suits both your style and your budget.¡±

    Daisuke sighed noisily. ¡°That was my request from the very start.¡±

    The woman stuck her tongue out mischievously.

    PAJIK!

    A blood vessel bulged at Daisuke¡¯s temple.

    ***

    ¡°Budget-friendly and stylish¡ªahem, I mean functional. I¡¯ve got just the thing!¡± assured the store owner as she led Daisuke to a rack of clothing. ¡°Let¡¯s start with these pants. They¡¯re sturdy, comfortable, and only two gold fifty silver!¡±

    Daisuke nodded when he came back from the changing room. ¡°I like these.¡±

    ¡°A marvelous choice!¡± she agreed, her hands gesturing in approval. ¡°Now, let¡¯s consider your upper body.¡± She presented him with a long-sleeve shirt with partial metal plating at the front. ¡°This one¡¯s a steal at just three gold fifty silver and offers excellent protection.¡±

    Daisuke looked himself over. ¡°This is as functional as I can afford, so I¡¯ll take it.¡±

    The woman smiled warmly. ¡°And finally, for the finishing touch, these boots!¡± She presented him with a robust leather pair. ¡°They¡¯re only one gold and should serve you well for quite some time.¡±

    Daisuke put them on and walked around, his eyes on his toes. ¡°Not bad. I¡¯ll go with these too.¡±

    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    The owner clapped her hands, her smile radiant. ¡°Excellent choices! You¡¯re going to look fabulous¡ªuh, I mean, perfectly equipped for your adventures. If you ever need more gear or fashion advice, you know where to find me!¡± she exclaimed with a twinkle in her eye.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Of course, anytime,¡± she replied in a velvety tone, looking him over with interest. Then she blushed.

    DING!

    [Intimacy level with Vivienne has increased by 50%.]

    Daisuke cringed, pokerfaced.

    RING-RING!

    Swiftly paying his bill in full, he exited the store like a man gone mad from thirst, and then he sighed. Zephyr peered down from atop his head as Daisuke regarded the coin section of his character screen.

    ¡°And just when Wallet-kun finally fattened up with some money, we¡¯re back to being poor again.¡±

    ¡°Ahruu,¡± Zephyr whined, sharing his grievance.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back to the guild and collect the reward for the quest. It should be enough for dinner and a room, at least. I¡¯m tired. My future self can worry about tomorrow.¡±

    Before Daisuke turned to leave, his gaze wandered across the street and landed on the window display of a nearby store. There, nestled among an array of items, he spotted a plush bear with a radiant smile, its soft features beckoning to him with an irresistible charm.

    ***

    ¡°I¡¯d like to turn this quest in,¡± said Daisuke rather bluntly as a means of greeting, sliding a piece of parchment across the counter.

    ¡°Oh, Haxks,¡± the female clerk at the Adventurers¡¯ Guild responded sweetly as she looked him over.

    The first time she laid eyes on him, he seemed battered and bruised, his clothes in tatters. However, there was a noticeable change in his appearance now¡ªthough his attire still consisted of rags, hidden beneath them were rippling muscles and rose-beige skin.

    The sight of his well-defined abs and biceps peeking out brought a flush to her cheeks. She couldn¡¯t fathom how he had undergone such a dramatic transformation in such a short period of time, but she found herself rather intrigued¡ª

    ¡°Is something wrong?¡±

    ¡°Eh? Wrong? N-No¡­ everything¡¯s fine,¡± she stammered, waving her hands frantically. ¡°I was actually just about to call you.¡±

    ¡°¡­Call?¡±

    The woman raised her index finger, and then placed her free hand on a strange device behind the counter. ¡°Haxks Starfrost,¡± she uttered crisply, almost as if a chant, and then¡ª

    DING!

    [The Adventurers¡¯ Guild requests an audience.]

    Daisuke frowned. This is¡­

    Retrieving the guild card from his inventory revealed that it was giving off a bright phosphorescent glow. The clerk heaved a lean smile, a bit delighted to see that the boy¡¯s nonchalant expression could actually change.

    ¡°Like the Global Census Register, all the names of our members are recorded in a magic seal,¡± she explained, her voice carrying the weight of experience. ¡°By simply injecting mana into this magic device and reciting a name, it resonates with that individual¡¯s blood that holds a unique signature within the magic formula. The blood then activates the guild card, which is made using a special material.¡±

    ¡°¡­Um, sure,¡± Daisuke drawled.

    The clerk savored his stupefied expression as if it were a refreshing cup of tea on a rainy day, and her inner goddess bounced around doing a victory dance.

    ¡°So, what happens when you need to call hundreds or even thousands of guild members?¡±

    ¡°We¡ª¡±

    ¡°Call them one by one?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a waste of time and manpower,¡± Daisuke returned offhandedly. ¡°What happens when there¡¯s an existential crisis and you need all hands on deck right away?¡±

    ¡°That is¡ª¡±

    ¡°The Guildmaster should consider notifying the regional manager about this obvious flaw in the system and ensure it¡¯s rectified immediately.¡±

    The clerk smiled awkwardly, beads of sweat forming on her forehead as her inner goddess deflated like a punctured balloon. ¡°Ahem, um. Yes, I¡¯ll see to it that your suggestion is passed along. Now, about why I wanted to call you¡­¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s expression settled back into a state of indifference as he listened.

    ¡°Tomorrow at dawn, there¡¯s a mandatory meeting with the Guildmaster for adventurers in the lower ranks. Your attendance is expected without exception.¡±

    Daisuke frowned suspiciously.

    ¡°Here,¡± she said, slipping him a letter stamped with the official guild seal. ¡°In light of the abrupt nature of this assembly, the Guildmaster has arranged accommodations for everyone. Simply present this letter to any innkeeper in town, and your stay will be settled.¡±

    Daisuke accepted the letter without a word. This must be a really big deal if they¡¯re willing to invest so much into this whole endeavor.

    ¡°Congratulations on completing your first quest, by the way,¡± said the clerk, her tone filled with genuine praise as she reviewed the details on the parchment. ¡°Thirty Celestia Flowers¡ªdid you manage to gather them all?¡±

    Daisuke retrieved the vibrant white flowers from his inventory, their fresh fragrance filling the entire lobby, calming the adventurers who were busy looking for companions or new quests on the bulletin boards.

    ¡°Excellent! And they look pristine too. Here¡¯s your reward.¡±

    Daisuke slipped the four gold coins into his inventory before turning to leave.

    ¡°H-Haxks,¡± the clerk stammered, a warm blush coloring her cheeks as she shyly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°I just realized¡­ I never properly introduced myself.¡±

    Daisuke turned, offering her a sidelong glance. ¡°It¡¯s fine; our conversations are usually brief anyway.¡±

    The girl¡¯s expression crumpled, and she started fuming inwardly, but she caught herself just before the urge to strangle him took over. ¡°You¡¯ll be in town for a while, right?¡± she replied with a smile, desperately trying to keep her expression even.

    ¡°I guess. What¡¯s it to you?¡±

    His nonchalance and aloof behavior had multiple blood vessels popping on her forehead, but her inner goddess was completely swooned by his cool attitude. ¡°Then courtesy demands that we¡¯re properly acquainted; it¡¯s only right.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°My name is Thalia¡­ Thalia Misthaven.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you,¡± Daisuke greeted flatly, and then he was gone.

    Thalia¡¯s cheeks flushed red with anger, her frustration bubbling to the surface like an erupting volcano. ¡°T-That rude... handsome little... beautiful devil,¡± she muttered ungracefully through clenched teeth before sighing in defeat.

    ¡°He didn¡¯t even call my name,¡± she murmured with a pout. What am I even thinking? He¡¯s at least three years younger than me.

 CHAPTER 40: The Lone Florian

    After departing from the guild, Daisuke secured lodgings for the night at a familiar inn and promptly made his way to the well situated at the back of the property. Bathing Zephyr proved to be a bit of a hassle, as expected, but he managed to get the job done.

    Once he was squeaky clean himself, he discarded his ragged clothes and donned the new attire he had acquired at the equipment store. The dark colors and shade of the clothing made his bright silver hair stand out even more prominently.

    Gretchen, the innkeeper, welcomed him back with genuine warmth and a bright smile. With a suggestive twinkle in her eye that made his innocence squirm, she personally prepared a special meal for him at supper, which, of course, earned him the murderous gazes of all the male patrons.

    Well, I guess this is better than sleeping outside, he thought, glancing down at Zephyr, who was busy gnawing on his bone beneath the table. Which is exactly what would¡¯ve happened if the guild didn¡¯t conveniently take care of tonight¡¯s accommodations.

    After enduring an hour of jealous glares, witnessing Gretchen viciously silence any who dared to challenge her, and listening to the drunken patrons blech forth tales of adventure and peril, Daisuke finally sank into bed.

    Zephyr promptly claimed his spot atop his chest, curling into a cozy ball. Daisuke gently raked his fingers through the pup¡¯s fur, his mind drifting back to the events of the day. After enduring years of misfortune, it took but a single moment of courage¡ªof not succumbing to fear, nor running away¡ªto completely transform his entire life.

    But now what?

    While vengeance and finding April and Mia remained his top priorities, what came after? Daisuke pondered this question as he lay there in the quiet of the inn. He knew he wanted to honor the life his parents had bestowed upon him and to live comfortably, but beyond those desires, what other aspirations and passions did he hold?

    For so long, he had been solely focused on surviving his grief and making ends meet that he hadn¡¯t seriously considered a future filled with dreams and goals. It was a daunting realization, but also an opportunity for him to explore the depths of his own wishes.

    Despite his fatigue, Daisuke summoned his inventory and began skimming through the items he had obtained throughout the course of the day, paying particular attention to those acquired from the Field Boss raid.

    [Crafted Bamboo Spear]

    [Crude Bonepick]

    [Sturdy Club]

    [Frost Prism x6]

    [Flarial Seed x6]

    [Vitaberry x8]

    [Small HP Recovery Potion x2]

    [Burn Heal x2]

    Celestia Flowers x2]

    [Slime Essence x4]

    [Troll Essence x3]

    [Horned Rabbit Hide x16]

    [Malevocroak¡¯s Legs x16]

    [Forest Imp Tail x19]

    [Exiled Hilitroll Chief Tusk x2]

    Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang x16]

    Disregarding the item descriptions, Daisuke closed the inventory window and shifted his gaze up to the low ceiling. Though he had intended to allocate his Stat Points, the weight of exhaustion proved insurmountable. Before he knew it, he surrendered to the embrace of a deep and undisturbed slumber.

    ***

    In a dimly lit, cavernous chamber, a raucous assembly of men occupied long tables filled with platters of foods and mugs of frothy ale. Roaring laughter and boisterous chatter echoed off the stone walls, filling the space with an air of festivity. Some men leaned across tables, sharing hearty tales and jokes, while others laughed with unbridled enthusiasm.

    At one table, a group of particularly rowdy men huddled together, their tankards sloshing with beer. They laughed energetically, trading stories about people they had robbed or slain, or with the various women they had laid.

    In the midst of their revelry, one man slapped another on the back so hard that beer splashed across the table and dripped onto the stone floor. Instead of cursing or throwing fists, the incident brought forth a bellow of laughter from both men.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    Before his comrade could begin to sober up even remotely, the man waved a hand in the air to summon one of the many female Beastkin servers who skillfully navigated the room, their trays laden with delicious food and replenishing spirits.

    The young woman he signaled wore a meek expression, her nervousness evident. Regardless, she quickly disposed herself to his command. The metal collar around her delicate neck chimed as she gingerly leaned in to perform her duties, unwilling to incur the wrath of the men.

    As she silently refilled the tankard, the man¡¯s roving gaze shamelessly drifted lower, lingering on the soft, creamy curves of her cleavage. When she finished and bowed to move away, he couldn¡¯t resist smacking her rear, earning another round of laughter from his companions.

    At the far end of the room, an immensely overweight man sat upon a lavish, throne-like chair, his flashy attire almost as extravagant as his appetite. With a flourish, he swept his hand through his permed hair.

    A pair of Beastkin females sat on each one of his legs, caressing him tenderly, heated sighs escaping painted lips as he fondled them occasionally. They fed him juicy fruits and poured wine into his goblet as he observed the festivities with a greedy grin.

    Beside him, a man clad in combat attire stood vigilant, his face a mask of stoicism. He exuded an air of professionalism, his attention devoted solely to his role as the man¡¯s personal guard. While debauchery reigned around him, the man remained the embodiment of seriousness, a stark contrast to the carousing that engulfed the room.

    Suddenly, the front doors burst open and in sauntered a small-statured girl with a hulking bag upon her back, her face twisted into a fierce and contemptuous scowl.

    ¡°Whoa~¡± cries of astonishment erupted from the onlooking crowd of men. Some hooted flirtatiously.

    ¡°Damn, look at the size of that haul!¡±

    ¡°Looks like she hit the jackpot again!¡±

    Reeza¡¯s knapsack was almost bursting at the seams, filled well beyond capacity with Mana Crystals.

    ¡°Did you use the monster overpass to trample more people in the dungeon?¡±

    A ?monster overpass?, sometimes referred to as a ?flyover?, originated by chance when an individual was overwhelmed by a monster horde. In their retreat, they ran through the ranks of a small group, unintentionally passing on the aggro of the monsters to them.

    Since then, the method became a common tool in MMORPGs, often used by players to indirectly kill ?bots?. Bots were automated characters, designed by players to tirelessly collect gold or valuable items for their main account.

    The bots gained a notorious reputation for taking over prime hunting grounds and making it challenging for legitimate players to hunt and find resources.

    Slaughtering them with monsters offered a way to deal with these nuisances without incurring the ?murder status? and becoming an outlaw within the game.

    There were some players, however, who used this method for far more nefarious reasons. Instead of bots, they would target legitimate players to seize hunting grounds or simply to pilfer valuable items that would occasionally drop when they were killed by the monsters.

    Now, Reeza¡ªan NPC¡ªhad adopted the method, utilizing it in a bitter twist of irony. And, from the unremorseful look in her eyes, it was evident she had no intentions to curb her treacherous ways.

    The bodyguard looked down at her menacingly when she came to a halt a few meters away from their leader, his piercing eyes akin to an endless abyss.

    ¡°Excellent work, Reeza,¡± the boss praised, even as he sucked down a grape without chewing. ¡°With these two latest hauls, you¡¯re inching ever closer to your goal. Just a bit more, and we¡¯ll seal the deal.¡±

    ¡°Tch,¡± Reeza clicked her tongue flippantly and cocked her head to the side. ¡°You¡¯d better ensure you keep your end of the bargain.¡±

    ¡°Cross my heart and hope to die,¡± the man responded playfully. However, sensing her dissatisfaction, he continued with a more serious tone. ¡°As an entrepreneur, I understand the importance of trust. It¡¯s the bedrock of any successful business transaction. Without it, everything crumbles to dust.¡±

    A laugh of outrage welled up within Reeza, but she stifled it, refusing to give them the satisfaction. ¡°There¡¯s no honor or humanity left in any of you,¡± she declared, her ruby red eyes ablaze with disdain as she gestured to the unsavory scene around her. ¡°So, all your talk of trust means absolutely nothing to me.¡±

    With fearless determination, she flung the bulging bag at the man¡¯s feet and spun on her heels, her defiant spirit radiating from her every step. ¡°I¡¯ve already weighed that out, so don¡¯t even think about trying to make a fool out of me.¡±

    The bodyguard stared at his employer, his blade gleaming ominously in the dim lighting as he slightly flicked it out of its sheath with a thumb. He awaited the command eagerly¡ªa mere whisper, and he would have swiftly separated her head from her shoulders.

    But it never came.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Let her go,¡± was the order that came instead. Then the man licked his lips perversely as he watched the girl¡¯s small form growing smaller in the distance.

    Reeza was a Florian¡ªa demihuman race known for their small statures and youthful appearances despite their actual age. Although she looked like a child, standing at no more than 128cm tall, she was already a teenager.

    ¡°Hey, Reeza,¡± a younger boy intercepted her near the door. He didn¡¯t reek of alcohol like the others, but his ideologies stunk just the same. ¡°I¡¯ve been scouting a group of adventurers hunting on the third floor of the dungeon for a few days now. Their gear looks pretty expensive. What¡¯d yah say? Wanna take ¡®em? We can split the rewards 40-50?¡±

    Reeza frowned, her gaze darkening. The fact that he didn¡¯t distinguish between the adventurers, whether they were Locals or ?The Fallen?, indicated his indifference to who got hurt or killed.

    The Fallen was the term NPCs used to regard the players, and Reeza had made it her point of duty to target them exclusively since they harbored strong animosity towards demihumans. Plus, they never truly died, no matter how many times they were killed. NPCs, or the ?The Locals?, on the other hand, had only one life to lose.

    ¡°Not interested,¡± Reeza scoffed with derision, shoving him aside so that she could leave.

    The youth watched her go, the enthusiasm in his eyes transforming into something sinister.

    <hr>

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 CHAPTER 41: Social Hierarchy - The Trinityâ€™s Dynamic

    ¡°Haxks. Good morning,¡± Thalia greeted with a radiant smile. ¡°How did you sleep?¡±

    ¡°Like a log,¡± Daisuke returned wearily. ¡°Where¡¯s the meeting being held?¡±

    ¡°One sec, I¡¯ll take you there myself.¡±

    He observed as she hurried down the long counter separating them. Behind it, several female clerks were assisting adventurers with their various tasks.

    Some were handling new applicants, others were weighing and purchasing Mana Crystals, while most were registering members for job requests. There were even a few deflecting love confessions and cringing when their suitors slumped to the floor in utter devastation.

    Daisuke couldn¡¯t help but wince at the scene.

    A few moments later, Thalia returned after finding a suitable replacement to fill her position. ¡°Ready to go?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± murmured Daisuke, ¡°it depends on what this meeting is all about.¡±

    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s nothing to worry about,¡± she reassured with childlike innocence as they approached a door at the back of the large hall. ¡°This whole ordeal will be for your benefit, I promise. The Guildmaster will give you the details.¡±

    Well, I¡¯ve been through way too much to simply take your word for it, he muttered mentally before chanting the skill: Eye of Verity.

    DING!

    [The Eye of Verity peeks beyond the veil. Guild clerk Thalia speaks the truth.]

    Nice. This will definitely come in handy going forward.

    Beyond the door, a corridor stretched out, flanked by walls painted with the tales of epic battles and mythological creatures. This path led to an expansive courtyard, designed not just for training but as an oasis within the guild¡¯s heart.

    Lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and carefully placed ornamental rocks framed the courtyard¡¯s perimeter, creating a serene contrast to the bustling guild lobby.

    Thalia guided Daisuke through this impressive space. It wasn¡¯t long before she stopped at a door nestled at the end of a narrow porch with polished wooden floors.

    ¡°Good luck,¡± she said with a supportive smile, her hand resting on the doorknob.

    Daisuke scrutinized her expression for a moment before cautiously stepping inside. A lively scene unfolded before him as he entered the spacious chamber, filled with people predominantly within his own age group. A quick survey of their attire suggested they hailed from diverse social backgrounds, mostly modest it would seem.

    Scattered among the youthful crowd were a handful of older individuals and young adults, adding a touch of maturity to the gathering.

    Thalia closed the door to a slight ajar, peeking like a mischievous child for a moment before she left. Daisuke sighed with a hint of exasperation before moving forward.

    The room resembled a university lecture hall. At the front, a lectern stood in position with rows of desks sloping upward toward the back of the room.

    As he nonchalantly made his way up the stairs, Daisuke ignored the hum of conversation and prying eyes that followed him. He gravitated toward the back of the class where there were fewer people and an additional exit, just in case he needed to make a hasty retreat.

    Zephyr hid underneath the desk when he took a seat. ¡°Sorry for keeping you cooped up like this,¡± Daisuke whispered apologetically. ¡°But you prefer this over returning to my inventory, right?¡±

    ¡°Kyu~¡±

    Daisuke felt like he was in school all over again¡ªnot the fact that he was smuggling an animal¡­ monster¡­ Divine Beast, into the classroom, but just the sheer anxiety of being around so many strangers. It was unnerving, but he tried his best to keep his cool.

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    ¡°What exactly is a Divine Beast anyway?¡± he asked.

    Zephyr adorably tilted his head.

    Now that the newly arrived had become the center of attention, Daisuke sighed and took a moment to look around. It didn¡¯t take long for him to notice that the adventurers were segregated into two groups and a subcategory: Players, NPCs, and Beastfolk.

    In the world of Sehreneti, every race possessed some form of unique innate abilities. Beastkin, for instance, boasted incredible physical strength and animalistic traits, making them formidable warriors and adept survivalists.

    Elves, on the other hand, were beautiful and kindred spirits that shared a close affinity with nature. They were celebrated as a peaceful and intelligent race, excelling in archery and wind magic.

    In stark contrast, humans were a weak, greedy, and conniving species with an ego that shone brighter than the sun. With unyielding determination and ingenuity, they continually strived for dominance over the world.

    According to Sehreneti Online¡¯s lore, thousands of years ago, they actually managed to achieve that goal. It is written that a group of humans, known as players, were able to seize complete dominion over the world, elevating themselves to the status of demigods.

    However, human greed proved insatiable, fueling corruption and unrelenting civil unrest. Their empire collapsed under the force of its own weight, annihilating entire populations.

    As retribution for their transgressions, the higher-ranking gods punished the players. They were banished from their exalted positions and cast back to the earth, forever branded as The Fallen. Cursed with immortality, they were condemned to roam the land for all eternity, battling monsters and fulfilling the pleas of the very people they had subjected to lives of hardship and suffering.

    Daisuke frowned, a finger cupping his chin. In a pursuit for realism, the developers made it pretty difficult for players to distinguish themselves from NPCs. On the other hand, NPCs could easily make the distinction and tend to gravitate toward their own. That¡¯s exactly what¡¯s happening right now.

    The game¡¯s lore made it pretty clear that The Fallen are more immoral and self-destructive than The Locals, so all the other races are incredibly wary. And it doesn¡¯t help that, despite the millennia that have passed since their fall from grace, players are still trying to take over the world again.

    All of a sudden, gasps of awe started erupting in the classroom. All eyes were now focused on a youth as he ascended the flight of stairs. It was painfully obvious that he was relishing the attention, and he swept his fingers through his hair with a flourish, flashing a cool smile.

    ¡°Kyaaa~¡±

    A few girls cried out excitedly.

    A player¡¯s name was hidden by default, but users could opt to make it visible if they so choose. They seldomly did, however, since anonymity in a game filled with competition was an obvious advantage.

    This guy was different; he couldn¡¯t care less about tact or tactics. He had his name boldly displayed along with that of his guild and its insignia. If that wasn¡¯t ostentatious enough, he was also decked out in a complete suit of flashy armor.

    A few rows down from Daisuke, the snob suddenly came to a halt as he spied a group of people, his once-exuberant expression twisting into a scowl.

    It was unclear whether his frustration stemmed from the group¡¯s apparent indifference to his presence, or the fact that they were Beastfolk, but his anger suddenly flared.

    ¡°When I received the invitation from the guild clerk, I never expected something like this,¡± he muttered, casting a critical glance around the room.

    One, eight, fifteen¡­ how many of them were there? If Beastfolk was his only gripe, it would have been bad but not so bad. But he had a problem with NPCs as a whole.

    His gaze returned to the group he had singled out, drawn to the nervous demeanor of the girl among them. Her lips were bitten as she struggled to evade his piercing stare.

    Yet, rather than stirring pity, her anxiety seemed to kindle his anger even more. It was clear he expected her to tremble with fear, to plead for forgiveness while prostrating herself before him. Anything less wouldn¡¯t suffice.

    ¡°If it isn¡¯t bad enough that dungeons are swamped with players, most of the mid to high-level ones are monopolized by big guilds. And to make matters worse, NPCs who are merely a means to an end for players, are becoming adventurers and making matters worse. You should know your damn place!¡± His voice thundered, causing the entire class to shrink back in fear.

    Daisuke observed quietly, his chin resting in his palm. It¡¯s pretty interesting that he would make such a bold claim, especially considering that the norm among NPCs is to become adventurers. Joining the Adventurers¡¯ Guild isn¡¯t as lucrative for players. While adventurers exist to serve the people and mainly operate within dungeons, players are more self-serving. They enjoy the freedom of accepting quests from NPCs, challenging Field and dungeon Bosses, exploring ancient ruins, and mapping uncharted territories¡ªall driven by their pursuit of personal power and wealth.

    The girl, clearly startled by the verbal attack, clasped her hands together to steady her trembling fingers, her body taut with tension. Her teary eyes searched for words, but they eluded her.

    ¡°That¡¯s your problem,¡± the Wolfkin beside her sneered in response instead, his words tinged with contempt.

    The snob frowned. ¡°You¡­ what did you just say to me?¡±

    ¡°You heard me,¡± he affirmed. ¡°Why don¡¯t you pick on someone your own size.¡±

    ¡°You mongrel! Do you even have any idea who you¡¯re messing with?¡±

    ¡°Obviously a lowlife if you can stand there and pick on a helpless girl like that.¡±

    The player¡¯s face reddened in his fury. With a mental command, he summoned his weapons¡ªa longsword at his side and a knife at the base of his back. Without hesitation, and to the horror of the onlookers, he unsheathed the sword menacingly, intent on lopping off the heads of both impertinent Beastkin.

    ¡°You obviously have a death wish,¡± the player spat venomously. ¡°So I¡¯ll gladly send you off to hell.¡±

 CHAPTER 42: Mental Attacks

    The blade of the sword gleamed as it was raised overhead. Frantic screams and shouts exploded from the adventurers. Before the weapon could fall, a four-legged ball of fluff appeared in a blur motion. Two rows of sharp teeth chomped down onto the youth¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Guaghhhhh! What the hell?¡± he roared out in pain, his weapon dematerializing in the same beat.

    He shook his arm in a desperate attempt to unlatch the feral beast, but it absolutely refused to let go. He spun around, he forcefully slammed the creature into a desk, and he yelled, but nothing worked.

    It was only after one of his companions pulled a dagger did Zephyr relinquish his hold and retreated into Daisuke¡¯s clothes. After angrily chugging a potion, the snob and his party promptly confronted the owner of the savage beast.

    ¡°You bastard! You¡¯ve got some nerve!¡± the tank of the group, which was obvious by his large frame, exclaimed. ¡°Who do you think you are, huh?¡±

    ¡°Have you any idea who you¡¯re dealing with?¡± a female mage added with a scowl. ¡°This is Osten, a member of the Dragonsbane guild.¡±

    CHENG!

    Osten placed his armored foot atop the bench just inches away from where Daisuke sat. He propped his elbow upon his knee and openly leered. ¡°You have some nerve letting your shitty dog attack me like that,¡± he began, his calm tone betraying the rage that boiled inside of him. ¡°How do you plan to compensate me for this brazen assault?¡±

    Daisuke remained silent. He didn¡¯t even cast his gaze in Osten¡¯s general direction. And the class knew exactly what would follow; because Osten¡¯s anger thickened to the point where it was almost palpable.

    ¡°Bring it out,¡± Osten demanded darkly. ¡°If you let me kill that mangy dog of yours, I¡¯ll consider letting this whole thing slide.¡±

    The entire room held their breath.

    Daisuke continued to ignore them.

    Finally, Osten snapped, his face red with fury. His armor clanked as he raised his arm, intent on backhanding the insolent bastard so hard the entire front row of his teeth would go flying.

    At that moment, for the first time since the dispute began, Daisuke turned and acknowledged their existence. But it wasn¡¯t in a positive light. His eyes widened, the Eye of Verity making his pupils seem to ignite, and a dark and threatening energy rolled off his body like a toxic miasma.

    Osten stumbled back, him and his two lackeys recoiling in fear¡ªthe entire class did. For a moment, everyone and everything was still, until Osten fell on his behind and broke the deafening silence.

    DING!

    [The active skill ?Intimidate? has been acquired.]

    [Intimidate]

    Rank: Rare

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    The path to becoming a warrior yields many benefits.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? By exerting your aura, you possess the ability to instill paralyzing fear in targets whose Stats are weaker than your own.

    Mana Cost: None

    Skill Cooldown: None

    Daisuke visualized drooping dog ears and a tail tucked between their legs as Osten and his party shamefully retreated to find seats. Amidst the class¡¯s excited chatter, the trio that had been targeted approached¡ªa male and female Beastkin, accompanied by a youth garbed in a healer¡¯s gown.

    ¡°That was pretty impressive,¡± the male Beastkin remarked, his chest puffed out confidently while his legs trembled like leaves in the wind.

    It makes sense that they¡¯d still be terrified, Daisuke observed calmly. They almost got beheaded, and that jerk was pretty serious about doing it too. After all, this is just a game.

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    What Daisuke failed to factor in was that the Wolfkin, in reality, was still affected by his own Intimidate skill but attempted to conceal it. Everyone did.

    ¡°T-Thank you,¡± stammered the girl, her face blue. ¡°Y-You really saved us back there.¡±

    The healer tried to force an appreciative smile while hugging his staff tightly, but it was hard to summon any gratitude when his life had just flashed before his very eyes. His complexion was as pale as a sheet of paper.

    Daisuke brushed aside their presence, even as Osten shot him a fierce scowl. However, Zephyr¡¯s furry head popped out of his shirt with a friendly ¡°Arf,¡± almost as if greeting them on his behalf.

    Color returned to the girl¡¯s face, and her eyes widened and glittered like stars. But before she could ask to pet him, the ambiance of the classroom changed as two individuals with a distinct presence entered.

    Daisuke watched as the trio shuffled back to their seats. Normally I would be upset that Zephyr caused a scene, but I can¡¯t complain since I got a pretty great skill in return. Still, he surreptitiously stole a glance at Osten and his party. I have a feeling this won¡¯t be the end of those three.

    ¡°Settle down, everyone,¡± a commanding voice resonated from the front of the classroom. Its owner, a middle-aged man with blond hair, exuded an air of authority. ¡°My apologies for the delay. I am Baldin, the Guildmaster. Since I¡¯ve kept you all waiting, let¡¯s get straight to the matter at hand.

    In light of the increasing number of casualties among young adventurers, the guild has decided to implement significant changes to our screening process for new applicants.¡±

    Whispers fluttered through the assembly.

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard,¡± said a youth to another in a hushed tone, ¡°quite a few poor children have joined the guild only to get gobbled up by monsters.¡±

    ¡°Even if the children are from the slums,¡± said another, ¡°I can see the guild¡¯s competence being called into question if enough of them are killed.¡±

    Reflecting on the challenges he faced in Dusthaven, Daisuke furrowed his brow. He had serious doubts that the deaths of impoverished children were the driving force behind this reform.

    It was probably triggered by some economic or political agenda, or perhaps due to the injury or death of a noble¡¯s child. Daisuke found it bewildering that individuals as young as twelve were considered adults in this world.

    Though, I guess I shouldn¡¯t be surprised since this system is derived from the ancient customs of the real world.

    ¡°Adventurers play a vital role in our society,¡± the Guildmaster continued with conviction. ¡°They are the impenetrable towers standing between us and a world overrun by chaos and monsters.

    As the monster population and the threat they pose continues on the rise, the guild has taken it upon itself to ensure that every adventurer is not only capable of defeating monsters and surviving in the wild but also contributing as well-rounded members of society.

    Allow me to introduce Professor Liam Michael Bayley,¡± he said, gesturing to the older gentleman beside him who offered a polite wave. ¡°Professor Bayley will be conducting a written examination covering language, arithmetic, deduction, and analytical skills to assess your educational level.

    Afterwards, you will then undergo a practical and field test. Based on your performance in these examinations, you will be placed into classes suited to your academic aptitude.

    You may also recognize some familiar faces among your homeroom teachers as our clerks from the front desk will be leading these classes.¡±

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s awesome!¡± ¡ª these and similar comments echoed among the students.

    The Guildmaster raised his hand, stilling the crowd. ¡°This part is crucial, so pay close attention: adventurers who perform poorly on this examination will be required to enroll in the guild¡¯s academy until they demonstrate readiness for independence.

    We understand that many of you are the primary breadwinners for your families and must work to make ends meet. With that in mind, everyone will be assigned to arranged parties while completing manageable quests assigned by designated guild clerks.

    Yesterday, we had you all seek accommodations at local establishments, but the construction of the dorms was officially completed today. You will now be assigned rooms for the duration of your lessons.¡±

    Several hands shot up.

    ¡°Please, go ahead,¡± the Guildmaster encouraged.

    ¡°What happens if we don¡¯t perform well and also refuse to enroll?¡± a female adventurer inquired.

    ¡°It¡¯s not compulsory to undergo the screening or enroll in the academy, but if you¡¯re found unfit to be an adventurer, your ID¡­ in other words, your license, will be revoked.¡±

    Another young girl raised her hand.

    ¡°Yes,¡± the Guildmaster acknowledged.

    ¡°What if I want to retake the exam after receiving training from a personal trainer?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s acceptable, but there will be a fee for retaking the exam.¡±

    ¡°And what about the dorms?¡± a young man inquired. ¡°Is boarding free?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± the Guildmaster replied.

    And there it is, Daisuke mused, a frown creasing his features as his expression grew lethargic. There¡¯s no way they¡¯re just helping people out of the goodness of their hearts; there had to be an incentive¡ªand, of course, it all came down to money.

    Guildmaster Baldin raised his hand again, hushing the animated crowd. ¡°A small fee will be deducted from the proceeds whenever you complete a job. These funds will be utilized to cover food, lodging, and the operational costs for the academy. If that is all for questions, then I will hand you over to Professor Bayley.

    Oh, just one more thing,¡± he added, his sharp gaze settling on Daisuke almost immediately. ¡°Haxks, I received your recommendation from Thalia. It¡¯s always a pleasure to encounter individuals with such sharp minds.¡±

    The man¡¯s words were sincere, but as his aura reared its head like a venomous snake, it became quite clear they were laced with something entirely different. But against the targeted waves of bloodlust, Daisuke returned his gaze unflinchingly.

    DING!

    [You were subjected to a mental attack. ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing has countered the threat and preserved the sanctity of your mental state.]

    ¡°Oh-Oh?¡± the Guildmaster stroked his chin in amusement before taking his leave.

    ¡°Eh?¡±

    ¡°What was that all about?¡±

    ¡°Do they know each other?¡±

    Osten clenched his teeth in irritation as the entire class cast curious glances toward Daisuke. Even Professor Bayley couldn¡¯t resist stealing a curious glance before he reintroduced himself and initiated the examination.

 CHAPTER 43: Karma Stirs â€“ The Coming Storm

    The color drained from people¡¯s faces as they began skimming through the test paper. Audible sighs of frustration, disapproving clicks of tongues, and vacant stares revealed that many were ill-prepared for this challenge.

    Daisuke was calm, and it wasn¡¯t because of his Composure Stat. Much like in medieval times, the general public¡¯s level of education was relatively low.

    Similarly, the majority of common folk in Sehreneti Online lacked the ability to read or write. Their proficiency lay more in handling coin than words, given that their livelihoods were intricately tied to financial matters.

    To Daisuke, the questions on the paper seemed reminiscent of elementary school-level problems, prerequisites for what he had previously studied in high school.

    Language was a breeze, while deduction, analytical thinking, and some segments of the arithmetic section were imbued with elements directly relevant to adventurers. As an avid gamer and a resident of the in-game world for many years, the exam posed no significant hurdle for him.

    However, the duration did.

    Five hours later, Daisuke and Zephyr¡¯s soul was just about ready to depart through their mouths. It was absurd that the examination dragged on for so long, and even more frustrating that he wasn¡¯t permitted to leave until the very end, despite having completed his answers.

    ¡°Times up,¡± Professor Bayley finally declared, slipping his pocket watch back into his clothes.

    With a flick of his wand, everyone¡¯s test papers were enveloped in a blue light and gracefully levitated into the air. They swirled above the classroom, arranging themselves into an intricate spiral before neatly stacking upon the lectern.

    ¡°Whoaa~¡±

    ¡°Dammit!¡±

    The students¡¯ reactions were quite polarized. Those who had managed to complete their papers were struck with awe at the display of magical prowess. Conversely, those who hadn¡¯t finished were understandably frustrated.

    ¡°You will receive your test results by tomorrow,¡± informed Mr. Bayley. ¡°Until then, you are all dismissed. The door at the back of the classroom will lead you to the cafeteria where a meal will be provided for you.

    You have just one hour for your break. Afterward, return to the classroom for the practical segment of your examination. Your performance in both the theoretical and practical tests will determine your overall grade.¡±

    ***

    ¡°Auuggh¡­¡±

    A long groan escaped the lips of a female mage.

    After the grueling exam, the adventurers found themselves trudging wearily through a seemingly endless corridor like a horde of mindless zombies. Their fatigued bodies and minds left them little energy to appreciate the intricate murals adorning the walls.

    Soon the tantalizing aroma of food hung in the air like a siren¡¯s call. The closer they got to the cafeteria, the more vibrant their faces became, exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the promise of a hearty meal.

    Finally, the corridor opened up into a vast hall, filled with rows of benches and tables. In one corner, a display case showcased a delectable array of dishes. And eager staff members stood at the ready, poised to serve the ravenous adventurers.

    With newfound vigor, the students raced ahead, forming a chaotic line that stretched almost to the entrance. Their excited chatter filled the hall as they eagerly discussed which dishes they would try, the brutality of the exam, and the potential hardships the practical would entail.

    After getting enough food for Zephyr and himself, Daisuke sought out a quiet, secluded table where he could enjoy his meal in peace. Osten kept a watchful eye on him from a distance, his features hardening with a growing determination to exact revenge.

    But Daisuke was too much of a wildcard; he needed to observe him a bit more before making his move. In the meantime, he diverted his vicious gaze toward a nearby individual¡ªone that lay well within his reach for the torment he desperately yearned to unleash.

    ***

    Elena glanced around sheepishly, resembling a lost puppy caught in a sudden downpour. Her ears sagged as she scanned the vast room for her companions who had been separated during the chaotic rush to form a line at the corner.

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    Desperation welled within her as she searched each Beastkin group frantically, hoping to reunite with them before¡ª

    ¡°Oop,¡± she let out a small yelp upon bumping into someone.

    The next moment, her tray was swatted from her hand with a force akin to a bear swatting an insect. It clattered loudly as it hit the ground, immediately drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

    Elena¡¯s face paled, her heart ceasing in her chest. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry,¡± she stammered nervously. As a feeling of suffocation crept over her, she dropped to her knees, scrambling to clean up the mess she had caused, her sole thought being to escape from this situation with haste.

    ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got to say?¡± Osten scoffed, his fiery gaze bearing down on her with the weight of a thousand suns. ¡°You got food all over my expensive sabatons.¡±

    Elena ignored him, not out of spite, but out of sheer fright. All that mattered was cleaning up after herself and disappearing from sight before she became more of a nuisance.

    But from Osten¡¯s point of view, she was already that and more. He raised his foot to crush her head beneath his armored boot when he was interrupted by a familiar creature.

    ¡°Grrr.¡±

    Zephyr poised itself in front of the girl and growled like an animal protecting its young.

    In response, Osten¡¯s face twisted into a grotesque mask. As anger and outrage churned through his body, he cast caution to the wind and summoned his sword in hand.

    As embarrassing flashbacks flooded his mind, fueling his desire for vengeance, all he cared about was crushing the infuriating pair that stood before him. And his lackeys stood by his side, watching in amusement as his sword was hoisted overhead like a coiling cobra, poised to strike.

    The moment he tightened his grip, his muscles bulging, Daisuke appeared behind him, back-to-back, in a burst of explosive speed. He looked over his shoulder in a sidelong glance, the Bonepick lingering at Osten¡¯s neck.

    ¡°¡­Get lost,¡± Daisuke commanded coolly, his free hand casually tucked into his pocket. ¡°Unless you want an extra hole below the one you already have.¡±

    A tense silence followed.

    Osten, his forehead slick with sweat, weighed his options before clicking his tongue and unequipping his sword. ¡°This isn¡¯t over,¡± he vowed before taking leave.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure,¡± Daisuke murmured back in response.

    ¡°Kyaaa~ so cool!¡± one girl cheered, and then the entire cafeteria followed suit.

    Daisuke looked at Zephyr accusingly, but the pup simply batted his eyelashes and gave an innocent¡ª

    ¡°Arf.¡±

    The adorable sound tugged at the heartstrings of the female population, reeling them in like fish on a line. Elena was the first to gather him up in her arms.

    ¡°Thanks for saving me again,¡± she chimed, her cheeks flushed with gratitude.

    She held Zephyr for but a moment before he was snatched up by another girl who snuggled him with affection. Soon the pup was being passed among the girls like a cherished stuffed animal, each taking their turn to hug him.

    Daisuke found himself in an unexpected situation. His once quiet and secluded table was now crowded with Beastfolk. Elena and her friends beamed at him with appreciation, but he chose to ignore them.

    ***

    Under the silvery light of the full moon, two worlds existed in parallel. In a vast estate nestled amidst tall trees and manicured lawns, a mother sat on the edge of her daughter¡¯s bed, the soft glow of a Mana Crystal lamp casting gentle light on their faces.

    The mother¡¯s voice was soothing as she spun a bedtime tale of magical creatures and heroic adventures. The young girl¡¯s eyes sparkled with wonder as her imagination took flight. The story came to an end, and with a loving kiss on her daughter¡¯s forehead, the mother switched off the crystal light and left the room, leaving only the pale moonlight to watch over her.

    In a remote village, far from the estate, a Florian mother sat on a simple wooden stool beside her daughter¡¯s bed. They shared a similar moment, but here the mother¡¯s story was an age-old folklore, rich with the wisdom of their people.

    The daughter listened intently, absorbing the lessons hidden within the tale. As the story concluded, the mother kissed her child¡¯s forehead and left the room, leaving a small, flickering candle to keep the darkness at bay.

    As both toddlers drifted into slumber, the threads of misfortune began weaving their own narrative. However, unlike a bedtime story, this tale unfolded on the tangible pages of the real world.

    At the estate, Reeza moved silently through the mansion¡¯s opulent halls, her keen eyes scanning for valuables. She couldn¡¯t resist the temptation of a cabinet filled with expensive crockery. Gently, she placed the delicate pieces into her backpack, her actions concealed by the darkness of the room.

    In the remote village, a group of calloused-looking men on horseback descended upon the peaceful settlement. They blocked off each exit, like specters in the moonlight. Wagons, ominous in their purpose, held cold metal cages. And beasts, akin to hounds, guarded them.

    Reeza spotted the glowing Mana Crystals that acted as light fixtures on the mansion¡¯s walls, and she swiftly removed them as well. Her practiced hands then moved on to the decorative armor and equipment, which she knew could fetch a hefty price.

    As the night wore on, the men in the village, driven by a frenzied madness, invaded homes with savage laughter. Flames illuminated the nearby forest as houses burned, and horrified screams pierced the night.

    Reeza continued her silent expedition through the manor, her watchful eyes scouring for valuables as her nimble fingers looted.

    In the village, a mother was forcefully dragged from her home by her hair. Her daughter, leaving behind her cherished doll made of straw, wailed as she trailed behind. The father desperately gave chase, only to be attacked and mauled by the hounds.

    Reeza left the mansion that was now a mere shadow of its former glory, its treasures concealed in her backpack. At the same time, the village¡¯s women and children were cornered by the hounds and apprehended by the invaders.

    As the prison cells gradually filled with their terrified screams, fathers and sons met their end at the hands of both ravenous beasts and cold blades.

    In an echo to Reeza making her escape from the estate, the slavers departed from the village, their plundered bounty secured while the village was consumed by flames.

    In one of the cells, a toddler, peering through thick metal bars, turned to ask: ¡°Mommy, will daddy meet us at our new home?¡±

    The mother held her daughter close, her body trembling from silent sobs. With a wanly smile and words of hope that served as a fragile shield against despair, she whispered, ¡°Everything will be alright; mommy will protect you.¡±

 CHAPTER 44: Magic Missile

    An hour later, everyone reconvened in the classroom. After reproaching the stragglers, Professor Bayley led the class out into the courtyard.

    ¡°I trust you¡¯ve all had a chance to rest,¡± he started, his eyes scanning the group. ¡°Now, we¡¯ll be moving on to the practical aspect of the examination, which will be split into two sections: mana output and melee prowess.¡±

    As they assembled, the students¡¯ attention was drawn to an impressive array of wooden weapons neatly arranged on a rack. Swords, shields, spears, maces, bows and arrows, and a variety of other options were available.

    Along the stone wall stood wooden targets and training dummies crafted from straw and fabric, while various other types of training equipment were scattered throughout the courtyard.

    ¡°I¡¯d like each of you to divide into three groups,¡± instructed Professor Bayley, punctuating his instruction with sweeping gestures. ¡°Group A will be for those seeking assessment in mana output. I''ll provide a Magic Missile spellbook for those without attack skills to ensure no one has an unfair elemental advantage. Group B will consist of those aiming for assessment through melee attacks, and Group C will be a combination of both.¡±

    Among the adventurers, only Daisuke situated himself within Group C; he couldn¡¯t pass up the opportunity to receive a free skill, and he was also curious about magic.

    ¡°Pff.¡±

    A stifled chuckle escaped the crowd, which was swiftly followed by raucous laughter from the players. Some laughed to the point of tears, while others rolled on the ground. Osten, in particular, relished the moment. For once, Daisuke found himself on the receiving end of widespread mockery.

    ¡°Look at this guy,¡± one player jeered. ¡°Did he really create a hybrid build? Who the hell does that?¡±

    ¡°Clearly this noob has never played an MMO in his entire life,¡± another chimed in. ¡°Both his physical and magical attacks are going to be complete garbage.¡±

    ¡°What a moron,¡± someone else added. ¡°He¡¯ll start feeling the burn eventually.¡±

    ¡°Heh. I thought he was cool, but he¡¯s actually just a noob.¡±

    Daisuke remained focused on the horizon, his attention unwavering despite the clear audibility of insults hurled his way. Interestingly, it was his Beastfolk supporters who seemed more agitated and offended.

    ¡°Ahem,¡± Professor Bayley cleared his throat, instantly quieting the crowd. ¡°Group A will go first,¡± he declared, conjuring the necessary skillbooks with a flick of his wand. They materialized from a magical bag attached to his hip, a feat made possible by space-time technology, which essentially created an alternative dimension for inventory storage.

    Daisuke, alongside the other members of Group A, extended their hands to retrieve the books as they descended gracefully with the aid of levitation magic. His fingers made contact with the smooth leather surface of the green hardcover book, and he noticed a magic circle engraved on the cover. As he flipped it open, the text inside shimmered with a radiant blue hue.

    DING!

    [Would you like to learn the spell ?Magic Missile? from the spellbook?]

    Yes.

    [The spell ?Magic Missile? has been successfully acquired.]

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    [Magic Missile]

    Rank: Normal

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    A fundamental skill for novice mages, Magic Missile compresses mana into cone-shaped projectiles and hurls them at the target.

    Skill Effect:?? Deals damage equivalent to 10% of your current mana to the target.

    Mana Cost: 10

    Skill Cooldown: 5 Seconds

    Daisuke frowned calculatingly as he read the description of the newly acquired spell. My current MP is 142. 10% of 142 is 14¡­ that¡¯s not enough damage to even one-shot a level 1 mob. And the 14 damage isn¡¯t even taking into account magic resistance, distance, and other variables that mitigates raw damage. But I guess it wouldn¡¯t be called a basic spell if it was any stronger than this.

    ¡°As many of you already know,¡± Professor Bayley continued, ¡°casting spells usually requires the caster to remain entirely still while reciting an incantation. However, since Magic Missile is a basic spell, you need only to focus and chant its name. Allow me to demonstrate.¡±

    The adventurers watched with interest as the professor squared off against one of the circular targets set against the stone wall. With a robed arm extended, he grasped his wand firmly, inhaled deeply, and narrowed his eyes in focused concentration.

    ¡°Mana exists all around us¡ªin the air, the trees, lakes, mountains, and also within our bodies,¡± he explained in a measured tone, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom.

    ¡°Feel the flow of energy throughout your ?mana circulatory system?. Let it gather in the pit of your stomach. Then guide it upward, through your arm, and out through the tip of your fingers. In my case, I also need to channel it through my staff. Magic Missile!¡±

    Following his verbal chant, a sequence of radiant orbs manifested, hovering just in front of his wand. To facilitate the demonstration, the professor slowed down the intricate procedure.

    Methodically, the orbs condensed, elongating into a cone formation while intensifying in magical power and density. With precision akin to sighting through a sniper rifle, the man took aim and unleashed the projectiles.

    PHUSHHH!

    The orbs systematically struck the wooden target, leaving destruction and scorch marks in its wake. The onlookers were astounded.

    Professor Bayley lowered his wand and turned to Group A. ¡°Now let¡¯s begin the assessment.¡±

    One girl nervously stepped forward, a low-level wand akin to a tree branch clutched in one hand.

    ¡°State your name.¡±

    ¡°Eleanor Larkspur.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Ms. Larkspur. Take a breath,¡± Professor Bayley instructed in a calm voice. ¡°Visualize the mana coursing throughout your entire body. Intercept a portion of that power and will it to gather in your stomach. Like a sword, your wand is also an extension of your body; direct that power up into your arms, through your fingers, and to the tip of your wand.¡±

    ¡°Magic Missile!¡±

    Although they were smaller in comparison, a series of small orbs materialized and shot from Eleanor¡¯s wand toward the target. Sadly, they collided into the stone wall with a tiny explosion, missing their intended mark.

    ¡°Excellent,¡± remarked Professor Bayley after jotting down her score. ¡°For a spell you just learned, you managed to execute it from start to finish. Unfortunately, you missed two vital components¡ªyou didn¡¯t use ?shape manipulation? to give structure to your missiles, hence it lacked speed and penetrative power. And, lastly, you didn¡¯t aim.¡±

    Daisuke watched as Eleanor bowed before the next person took center stage. Each adventurer demonstrated different levels of talent, and there were even a few with explosive potential, but he wasn¡¯t deterred.

    Soon enough, it was his turn to square off against the wooden adversary.

    ¡°State your name,¡± requested the Professor.

    ¡°Haxks.¡±

    Ignoring the cackles and jeers rising from the crowd, Daisuke extended an arm, clutched his wrist, and unfurled his fingers. A deep breath separated him from the world and all distractions.

    He knew better than anyone else that surpassing a mage with his feeble mana count was nearly impossible, but there was nothing to lose. In fact, he had received a magic spell free of charge. Even if the damage sucked beyond comprehension, he still possessed a range-type skill to use as a diversion when needed.

    Another deep breath had Daisuke dismissing all unnecessary thoughts; all that mattered was focusing his power and replicating what the Professor had demonstrated.

    He vividly envisioned his veins branching out like the intricate roots of a massive tree. Within those vessels coursed not just the life-sustaining mixture of nutrients and oxygen, but also the pulsating essence of mana.

    With sheer determination, he willed that mana to gather, gradually pooling in the depths of his abdomen before streaming into the palm of his hand. His mind sculpted the luminescent spheres, molding them into the shape of a cone.

    ¡°Magic Missile!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes snapped open with conviction as he propelled the projectiles toward their intended target. Forget merely hitting the bullseye; his barrage tore through the air with such force that it not only obliterated the wooden target but also laid waste to a substantial portion of the stone wall standing behind it.

 CHAPTER 45: Fated Confrontation - Daisuke VS Osten

    Daisuke, Professor Bayley, Osten, and the rest of the adventurers had their mouths agape in complete and utter shock. For a moment, there was nothing but silence until the Professor spoke.

    ¡°A-Amazing!¡± he stammered, his eyes quivering.

    While the class erupted in a wave of astonished whispers, Daisuke took a moment to analyze his Stats.

    Status Window, he chanted mentally.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 13 | EXP: 4,754/26,406 (18%)

    Class: None

    Affiliation: Adventurers¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter

    HP: 894/894 | MP: 1242/1252

    Str€ngt#: 0 (+15) | St@m!n@: 0 (+12) | Ag!lit£¤: 0 (+25) | !nt€ll!g€nc€: 237 | D€xt€rit£¤: 0 (+35) | C0mp0$ur€: 0 | !nd0m!t@bl€: 0

    Stat Points: 0]

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in alarm. What the hell?

    His Status Window flickered wildly, its digital display mimicking the erratic dance of a dying light. The glitch mirrored the effects of the digital seizure that still plagued one of his skills.

    Upon closer inspection, a perplexing sight awaited him: all of his Stat Points were mysteriously invested into Intelligence. Then, just as abruptly as it had begun, the anomaly ceased, and everything returned to normalcy as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 13 | EXP: 4,754/26,406 (18%)

    Class: None

    Affiliation: Adventurers¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter

    HP: 1499/1499 | MP: 137/147

    Strength: 48 (+15) | Stamina: 73 (+12) | Agility: 82 (+25) | Intelligence: 16 | Dexterity: 10 (+35) | Composure: 5 | Indomitable: 3

    Stat Points: 0]

    As Daisuke grappled with the inexplicable bug¡­ or phenomenon that had affected his Stats, Osten found himself breaking into a nervous sweat. However, a grin still tugged at the corners of his mouth.

    It had become abundantly clear to him that Daisuke was a mage¡ªthe intimidation that made him flinch in the classroom; the burst of speed in the cafeteria; and now the overwhelming power of his magical attack.

    Mages were known for their impressive magical attack power, but they had limited health and pitifully weak defense to boot. In contrast, Osten¡¯s armored suit wasn¡¯t just eye-catching; it boasted incredible physical and magical defense.

    If he could turn a fight against Daisuke into one of attrition, he might just drain his mana over time, eventually allowing him to land a significant hit. It would only take one solid strike to bring Daisuke¡¯s HP to a crushing zero.

    ¡°Mr. Starfrost,¡± called Professor Bayley, beckoning to the silver-haired boy with a discreet wave of his hand. Leaning in closer, he whispered, ¡°Are you¡­ a mage or a warrior?¡±

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m a warrior,¡± Daisuke whispered back, his voice carrying a hint of suspicion.

    The man¡¯s expression paled slightly, but he made an effort to maintain his composure. ¡°Very well. Please remain by my side until I instruct otherwise.¡±

    Daisuke frowned inwardly but conceded to the command, his curiosity about the professor¡¯s intentions growing.

    ¡°Alright, everyone... that concludes the evaluation for mana output,¡± the professor declared with a firm nod. ¡°Now let''s shift gears and dive into the assessment for physical attack power and combat prowess. Prepare yourselves; we''re about to embark on a small tournament.¡±

    His gaze swept over the members of Group B, locking eyes with each student as if challenging them personally. ¡°Each of you will be armed with a wooden weapon and engage in single combat. Once a winner is declared, two more participants will step forward to take their place in the arena.¡±

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    He paused for effect, allowing the anticipation to build. ¡°We''ll continue this process until we have our finalists, who will then face off against each other in an ultimate showdown. Only one will emerge victorious.¡±

    Osten, his bitterness clear, gestured to Daisuke and questioned, ¡°And what about him?¡±

    ¡°The finalist will spar against Mr. Starfrost to determine the ultimate victor.¡±

    Osten clenched his teeth in a mixture of annoyance and envy, but the professor paid him no mind.

    ¡°Scoring will be based on form, technique, power, and speed,¡± Professor Bayley explained. ¡°Matches will be decided definitively when I give the call. If there are no further inquiries,¡± he scanned the assembly, ensuring everyone was attentive, ¡°the first two contestants, please select a weapon and step forward.¡±

    ¡°These insects have no clue who they''re up against,¡± murmured the girl beside Osten, her voice tinged with disdain. She shot a sidelong glance at the other students, her expression a mix of annoyance and superiority. ¡°Even the Professor doesn''t seem to know his place.¡±

    ¡°We''re the strongest duo in our level range,¡± the tank added with a scowl. ¡°And we hail from the mightiest guild. Let''s show these fetuses what we''re made of, Osten; it''s high time these rookies learned their goddamn place!¡±

    Osten selected a wooden longsword, his anger simmering beneath a veneer of calm determination. All he could think about was crushing Daisuke and anyone else who dared to challenge him. And that¡¯s precisely what he did; the professor had difficulty scoring the bout as it was entirely a one-sided battle.

    As the tournament ensued, Daisuke discreetly used the Eye of Verity to analyze the Stats of every participant. Although the average level of the adventurers was 15, they exhibited varying degrees of skill and technique.

    However, no level of ability could compete with the overwhelming advantage of equipment, and this stark reality propelled Osten and his allies forward until only Osten remained standing.

    Daisuke seized the opportunity to ask, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you allow me to take part in the preliminaries?¡±

    The professor¡¯s reply came in a hushed tone, ¡°Because I had a feeling I wouldn¡¯t be able to properly gauge your capabilities without presenting you with a decent challenge.¡±

    Daisuke didn¡¯t offer a response. Instead, he retrieved a pair of daggers from the weapons rack and positioned himself center stage, his demeanor composed.

    Osten, grinning with malice, couldn¡¯t contain his excitement. ¡°You have no idea how long I¡¯ve waited for this moment,¡± he taunted. ¡°I¡¯ll break every damn bone in your body.¡±

    Elena and her companions looked on in dismay. She cupped her hands together and started whispering a prayer, her ears sagging, her tail limp. But Daisuke wasn¡¯t worried, nor was he nervous. He held Osten¡¯s gaze nonchalantly, ignoring the spite and hate that emanated from them.

    Eye of Verity, he chanted the skill mentally.

    [Name: Osten

    Species: Human

    Level: 19 | EXP: 27,478/56,406 (48.7%)

    Class: Warrior

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild | Dragonsbane Guild

    Title: None

    HP: 2655/2655 | MP: 82/82

    Strength: 120 (+10) | Stamina: 40 (+5) | Agility: 25 (+5) | Intelligence: 5 (+6)

    Stat Points: 0]

    Before Daisuke could browse the skills section, Osten charged forth with a primal roar, his eyes ablaze with a wild fervor that hinted of madness. He was evidently unconcerned with caution, his reckless advance mirroring his confidence in both his equipment and his own power.

    Maintaining his composure, Daisuke faced his adversary''s oncoming sword, its menacing arc rising from the ground. Swiftly crossing his wooden daggers, he met the attack head-on, then seamlessly transitioned into a backflip in the same beat.

    Professor Bayley watched intently. Impressive! He leapt backwards at just the right moment to avoid taking the full brunt of the blow. That was quick thinking.

    Daisuke frowned, time seeming to slow to a crawl. He''s level 19... six levels above me,¡± he mused inwardly, his mind racing to calculate the implications. But if I factor in my total Stat Points, theoretically, that would put me at level 24... or 32 if I include the bonus Stats.

    The instant Daisuke¡¯s feet touched the ground, his body leaned forward, and then he vanished in the blink of an eye.

    Osten paled, his eyes darting from side to side. He¡¯s fast!

    Suddenly, a dagger whizzed toward him from the side. With a grunt, he turned to deflect the projectile. It spun in the air. But it was all but a distraction; Daisuke had already repositioned himself behind him, as if materializing there, his dagger breaching the gap between his armor plates at the hip.

    Osten winced, his expression tightening, but he quickly regained his composure, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. ¡°Crescent Moon Slash!¡± he roared, invoking a skill.

    His wooden sword shimmered, emanating a crimson arc of light reminiscent of a mana-forged projectile as he swung it with all his might. Yet, to his dismay, it met nothing but empty air. Daisuke had vanished without a trace, as elusive as a fleeting mirage in the desert sands.

    CLASP!

    Daisuke caught the dagger that was about to hit the ground, butterscotch eyes gleaming fiercely. Brandishing both weapons, he unleashed a barrage of blinding attacks on Osten, like a whirlwind, targeting the small gaps in his armor.

    Overwhelmed, Osten¡¯s eyes snapped open in outrage. ¡°Shell Break!¡± he bellowed, activating another skill.

    Daisuke leaped back in time as a transparent barrier momentarily expanded outward from Osten¡¯s body, like a jagged stone wall.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes flashed calculatingly.

    Timing the precise moment the spell would dissipate, he charged in. Osten raised his sword, poised to attack or defend, but a familiar skill from the enemy had his entire body grinding to a halt like a rusty gearbox in dire need of repair.

    Intimidate! Daisuke uttered, invoking the skill.

    Helplessly, behind his helmet''s visor, Osten''s eyes widened in horror as a dagger halted mere inches from his face, its wooden edge poised menacingly. With a mixture of shock and disbelief, he shifted his gaze from the weapon to its wielder, just in time to witness a head of silver hair being raised, revealing a pair of butterscotch eyes blinking open.

    ¡°Checkmate,¡± Daisuke declared, his voice calm and confident, which was followed by the chant, ¡°Magic Missile.¡±

    PHSSSHHH!

    An explosion erupted, sending Osten hurtling to the ground like a discarded puppet. His once-imposing helmet lay in ruins, shattered by the force of the blast, leaving his face and armor scorched. He bore a stupefied expression as his body lay sprawled on the ground.

    ¡°And we have our victor,¡± Professor Bayley announced, bringing the match to its conclusion.

    The crowd erupted in cheers. Elena and her friends embraced each other, jumping up and down with joy.

    Meanwhile, Osten¡¯s lackeys hurried over to give him a helping hand, but he clicked his tongue and shunned them bitterly, a murderous gaze fixated on the bastard who had just bested him¡ªno, shamed him in front of dozens of people.

 CHAPTER 46: Valuable Insights

    The following day, the class underwent a division into three groups, their fates determined by the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills displayed in the assessments.

    In a spacious classroom, Daisuke found himself alongside Elena, her circle of friends, Osten, accompanied by his loyal lackeys, and a few others who had demonstrated exceptional prowess in the examination. They gathered before a beaming guild clerk, eagerly awaiting the next phase of the screening.

    ¡°Congratulations on completing yesterday¡¯s assessment at the top of the class, everyone. My name is Thalia Misthaven, and I¡¯ve been designated as your homeroom teacher. Hiiiiiiiiiiiii~¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s poker face twisted into a cringe as the woman began enthusiastically waving at him like an exuberant child. Osten and his companions looked on in disgust.

    ¡°Before we proceed with the field test, the third and final phase of the exam, I''ll be equipping you with essential information to aid you in your future endeavors.¡±

    Thalia paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in. ¡°Let''s start with the fundamentals. Can anyone here tell me the purpose of an adventurer?¡±

    ¡°To defeat the bad guys, liberate the people, and get the girl in the end?¡± quipped a male student who seemed more fit to be on a theater stage rather than in the guild.

    ¡°Sounds about right,¡± another adventurer chimed in with a grin, earning laughter from the entire class.

    Thalia couldn¡¯t help but snicker, her delicate fingers hiding her small mouth. ¡°Sounds more like a hero to me, but there¡¯s one thing that a hero and an adventurer share: they primarily represent the people. The fundamental purpose of an adventurer is to cull and control monster populations on the surface, as well as to prevent dungeon breaks underground.

    The Adventurers¡¯ Guild and its members are committed to protecting the people; that¡¯s the guild¡¯s mission statement. And since monsters pose the greatest threat to people, dungeons are a significant part of an adventurer¡¯s geographical assignment.

    Before I delve into dungeons, it''s crucial to understand the origin of mana. Mana flows like the lifeblood of the earth itself, permeating every facet of nature¡ªfrom the vibrant foliage to the creatures that roam, from the boundless expanse of the air to the depths of the sea, and even within the very heart of the mountains.

    Scholars hypothesize that mana is generated from the planet''s core, its potency increasing as one descends to lower depths, hence explaining the presence of stronger monsters deeper within dungeons.

    Unfortunately, there is no known record of when dungeons first appeared in the world. We simply assume they have always existed, regarding them as natural disasters that need constant surveillance and control.

    Dungeons are scattered all across the world, with new ones popping up regularly, keeping the demand for adventurers high and ever-increasing. There are two types of dungeons: Hidden or Irregular, and your regular dungeons. The main thing to know is that Hidden Dungeons are like a quick snack¡ªup to 5 floors, and once you clear them, poof, they vanish and show up somewhere else.

    Normal dungeons, on the other hand, they''re more like long-term relationships. They stay put and can have loads of floors. The monsters inside respawn after some time when killed, and some of these dungeons can even experience what is known as a Dungeon Break.¡±

    Sighs of astonishment filled the room as Thalia continued her explanation. ¡°Let¡¯s set Hidden Dungeons aside for now and focus on the characteristics of a normal dungeon.¡±

    ***

    Daisuke casually made his way toward his customary corner of the cafeteria, a tray of food in hand. However, his once solitary table had undergone a transformation, now bustling with activity as a group of Beastfolk surrounded Zephyr. Laughter and animated chatter filled the air as the girls took turns pampering and fussing over the fortunate canine, who lapped up every moment of attention with evident delight.

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    Meanwhile, in hushed voices not far away¡ª

    ¡°Daisuke¡¯s pretty cool,¡± a girl whispered to her friend, her gaze fixed on his retreating posterior. ¡°But have you noticed? He hasn¡¯t said a single word to anyone. Do you think he might be¡­ y¡¯know, gay?¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyebrows furrowed in irritation at their speculation.

    ¡°Or maybe he¡¯s just special,¡± the other girl chimed in. ¡°And Zephyr¡¯s like his service companion or something.¡±

    A vein throbbed visibly on Daisuke¡¯s temple, but he managed to keep his annoyance in check. Instead of proceeding to his usual seat, he finished his kebabs, placed the empty plate on an unoccupied table, and quietly exited the room.

    ***

    ¡°Hey, you,¡± Thalia greeted as Daisuke approached the counter in the guild¡¯s main lobby. The din of the mingling adventurers filled the air. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be eating and resting up for the next class? I¡¯m just covering for Racine while she¡¯s on her lunch break, then I¡¯ll be right there.¡±

    ¡°I was just curious, can I sell monster materials here?¡±

    Thalia nodded, her eyes reflecting the genuine interest of someone passionate about their work. ¡°Yes, but including Mana Crystals, we only accept a few kinds of materials at this counter,¡± she responded as she rounded the counter to join him. ¡°Follow me. I¡¯ll take you to the butcher shop.¡±

    A backdoor at the eastern wing of the lobby led to the aforementioned room. A hulking man in a bloodied pair of overalls paused his work on the goblin carcass that lay splayed on his table to greet his guests.

    ¡°Oh, Thalia¡­ to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?¡± he called, one hairless eyebrow raised in question. ¡°And who do we have here?¡±

    Thalia made the introductions, her voice warm with friendliness. ¡°Cleave, this is Haxks. Haxks, Cleave.¡±

    Cleave greeted Daisuke with a jovial demeanor, extending a gloved hand. ¡°Pleased to meet you.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s gaze flickered to the bloodied hand with little interest.

    Cleave chuckled heartily at the slight awkwardness. ¡°Bahahaha! Sorry about that; my mind is still partly engrossed in my work. So, what brings you both here today?¡±

    ¡°Haxks here was asking about selling monster materials, so I figured I would bring him to the specialist,¡± Thalia explained.

    ¡°Is that right?¡± the man grinned, his white teeth in stark contrast to his chestnut facial hair.

    ¡°I need to get back to the counter,¡± Thalia explained as she scooted for the door. ¡°Cleave, I¡¯ll leave him in your care. And, Haxks, I¡¯ll see you in class.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha! Leave it to me!¡± laughed the man, bloodied hands cupping his hips. ¡°She¡¯s quite the looker, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°So will I be able to sell the materials here?¡±

    The man¡¯s grin faded disappointedly. ¡°You¡¯re pretty uptight for a youngster.¡±

    ¡°I need to get back to class soon, so I¡¯d rather get straight down to business.¡±

    Cleave playfully sighed, theatrics oozing from his voice. ¡°You¡¯re no fun. So, where are they?¡±

    Daisuke walked over to a vacant table, summoned his inventory with a simple gesture, and then began to lay out the materials he had acquired, one by one.

    [Slime Essence x4]

    [Troll Essence x3]

    [Horned Rabbit¡¯s Hide x16]

    [Malevocroak¡¯s Legs x16]

    [Forest Imp¡¯s Tail x19]

    [Exiled Hilitroll Chief¡¯s Tusk x2]

    [Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang x16]

    Cleave briefly scanned the materials, his arms crossing his chest. ¡°Okay, but where¡¯s the rest of the monster?¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡± Daisuke was baffled.

    It was only after Cleave¡¯s question did his eyes widen in realization. The truth hit him like a lightning bolt. He had always assumed that monsters simply disappeared over time after being killed, and their drops magically whisked away into his inventory. But that was only the case for a standard player, and it had become painfully obvious he was much more than that.

    He had been on such a crazed and relentless killing spree that he never once bothered to check what could be salvaged from a carcass after a monster fell. Even the Hilitroll Field Boss had been left abandoned in that gaping hole without a second thought.

    Cleave¡¯s suggestion brought Daisuke back to the present. ¡°The next time you slay a monster, bring the entire corpse to me.¡±

    Daisuke nodded, his gaze contemplative. In this virtual world, monsters were akin to the animal population of the real world¡ªsure they were ugly, but most of them were edible and surprisingly very delicious. Their meat was called monstron.

    ¡°I¡¯ll separate the meat from the materials,¡± Cleave continued to explain. ¡°Both can be sold here or on the market. Now for the items you currently have, I¡¯d suggest selling the Slime and Troll Essence to the apothecary; they¡¯ll pay more for items they actually use in potion-making.¡±

    Daisuke listened attentively, absorbing the information.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind taking the Forest Imp¡¯s Tail and Malevocroak¡¯s Legs off your hands,¡± Cleave offered. ¡°But I would suggest you sell the others to a Blacksmith, or have him use them to forge weapons or equipment. That Hilitroll¡¯s tusk, in particular, is a relatively rare material. Field and Dungeon Bosses are notorious for yielding great materials for forging equipment.¡±

    Daisuke stroked his chin in contemplation. I didn''t really get anything noteworthy from the Elemental King, but I did receive the tusks from the Exiled Hilitroll Chief. Maybe I should consider hunting it one more time¡ªand, while I¡¯m at it, there are a few experiments that I¡¯d like to test out.

 CHAPTER 47: Elite Mob â€“ The Lipanthyer

    The moon appeared especially enchanting when it was partially concealed by drifting clouds. Despite the late hour, Wonderelle was still a hub of activity. Lights dotted the town, gracefully flowing out from the many avenues of the central plaza like a mesmerizing motif.

    In stark contrast, the newly constructed guild dormitory was cloaked in darkness, a haven of tranquility amid the bustling city. The first floor housed the cafeteria and classrooms, with the second floor divided into a wing for females on the left and males on the right.

    On the third floor, a glass greenhouse stood bathed in the radiant light of the lunar goddess. Daisuke leaned against a nearby balcony, his gaze fixed not on the breathtaking view of the guild¡¯s courtyard below or the city¡¯s skyline in the distance, but on his Status Window.

    ¡°Sneak-sneak-sneak,¡± a playful and hushed whisper broke through the stillness of the night.

    ¡°Can¡¯t sleep?¡± Daisuke inquired without shifting his gaze.

    ¡°Eek!¡± A startled gasp escaped the girl¡¯s lips.

    Elena had been cautiously tiptoeing into the greenhouse when she suddenly froze solid in her tracks. Her head slowly and nervously pivoted to the side, her eyes locking onto a familiar figure.

    ¡°H-Haxks,¡± she stammered, her cheeks instantly dyed scarlet just from uttering his name. ¡°Wh-What are you doing up so late?¡± Her heart fluttered wildly. Wait! D-Did he just speak to me? That¡¯s a first!

    Daisuke finally turned to face her, and Elena shrank back slightly under the weight of his butterscotch gaze. His disposition was cool and nonchalant. There was something about it that sent shivers down her spine.

    ¡°I should be asking you the same thing,¡± Daisuke¡¯s voice was tantalizingly composed, which made Elena think that it was well worth the wait.

    She averted her eyes, hoping to cool her erratic pulse. ¡°The greenhouse is relatively new, so I¡¯ve been tending to the flowers in my free time; it helps me to relax.¡±

    Stirred awake by the conversation, Zephyr leaped from Daisuke¡¯s shirt and into Elena¡¯s arms. She gently massaged his cheek with her tiny hand, her eyes shining with affection.

    ¡°Would you like to see?¡± she offered, turning with the bundle of fluff in her arms, like a child with a newfound toy.

    The greenhouse was a rectangular structure, roughly 8 feet wide and 20 feet high. Only a portion of the space was occupied with flowers, and one in particular caught Daisuke¡¯s eye. It was a flower with various shades of blue, but what truly captivated him was the silver-blue glow of its narrow leaves and the frosty shimmer that radiated from its petals, as if touched by magic.

    ¡°That¡¯s called a Lunarfrost Lily,¡± Elena explained. ¡°It¡¯s one of the main ingredients used in the making of mana potions. Its leaves are always glowing, but the flower reacts like that only when exposed to moonlight. Isn¡¯t it amazing?¡±

    A faint smile played on Daisuke¡¯s lips.

    At the same time, Elena¡¯s own smile faded, her expression becoming glum. ¡°Lunarfrost Lily¡­ it reminds me of home. Growing them here makes me feel closer to my friends and family.¡±

    Zephyr licked her cheek sympathetically.

    ¡°¡­Why don¡¯t you fight back?¡± Daisuke¡¯s voice was devoid of emotion.

    Elena contemplated his question, haunted by memories of Osten. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t want to sow seeds of discord and endanger my family,¡± she confessed in a hushed tone, as if even speaking about it could invite danger. ¡°It¡¯s important that I stay focused on my main goal so my people and I can find peace and happiness.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Daisuke replied, his gaze distant.

    ¡°And what about you? What¡¯s your goal?¡±

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m not sure,¡± answered Daisuke. ¡°I guess I¡¯m just trying my best to stay alive and see where life takes me.¡±

    Even as he gave this vague response, a fiery desire for vengeance burned, an unquenchable flame in a blacksmith¡¯s forge, threatening to consume him whole. Each time he tried to smother it, it would surge, effortlessly burning through the reins of his self-control.

    ***

    In these past few weeks, the academy¡¯s routine had become almost second nature for the students: mornings were dedicated to theoretical classes, where they absorbed knowledge like sponges. While afternoons were reserved for hunting expeditions led by Professor Bayley.

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    ¡°Consider this as preliminary training for the impending field assessment,¡± the man would say while stroking his long gray beard, even as they ventured deeper into the dark and foreboding forest.

    The team, like a well-oiled machine, was divided into three sections: the tanks stood valiantly at the forefront; the damage dealers were positioned in the center; and the ever-watchful support cast their protective and healing spells from the rear. Professor Bayley, an exceptional adventurer in his own right, orbited around them like the moon did the earth, only intervening when the situation became dire.

    This system worked seamlessly to ensure the safety and efficiency of their hunts. Unfortunately, it also meant Daisuke never got the chance to single-handedly down a monster. As a result, he couldn¡¯t tell how he affected them after a slaying.

    Currently, all the corpses remained regardless of who had felled them. However, numerous variables could contribute to this outcome. The party comprising of both players and NPCs might play a significant role. Additionally, the fact that the guild needed the corpses to make ends meet could be exerting influence over the system as well.

    As time marched on, the accumulation of monster remains continued to swell. Fortunately, Professor Bayley was well-prepared; in his possession was a magic bag that could temporarily store the corpses. When it was filled to capacity, the bodies would be promptly transferred to a large wagon hitched to sturdy horses.

    This approach saved valuable time that would otherwise be spent on the tiresome task of corpse retrieval. Unfortunately, the other two classes, led by less equipped leaders, lacked such luxuries.

    They were left to use smaller carts to laboriously transport the remains to the main wagon. Magic bags, especially those of a higher caliber, were a rare and costly product that were reserved for the elite.

    CRUNCH!

    A twig snapped underfoot.

    Daisuke looked around, scanning the perimeter.

    The forest canopy hung heavy with an ominous hush as the class delved deeper into the woods. Birds had long since abandoned their cheerful songs, and the air grew thick with tension.

    Daisuke felt it first, a primal shiver down his spine. There was something watching them, stalking them like a shadow. He sensed the bloodlust of a feral beast, then a low growl rumbled through the trees, proving it wasn¡¯t just paranoia.

    Professor Bayley smiled with amusement.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got company!¡±

    The tank in Osten¡¯s party, a burly warrior clad in gauntlets, broke the silence. Assuming his role as vanguard, he unleashed a provoke skill that drew the unseen menace into the open toward him.

    The Lipanthyer, a massive tiger-like creature, twice the size of a lion, leaped from the underbrush with a guttural roar. Its piercing lime-green eyes were in stark contrast to its white coat, and they fixated on the tank, a look of pure predatory hunger in the creature¡¯s fearsome gaze.

    Razor sharp claws dung into the ground as the beast lunged forward, its large maw lined with lethal teeth.

    ¡°Impenetrable Fortress!¡±

    At his command, the tank¡¯s gauntlets shimmered, conjuring a towering shield before him that the monster slammed into. A fierce roar tore from its jaws as it struggled to rip through the barrier that separated it from its meal.

    The adventurers flinched back at the strident sound. Their instincts prickled as they sensed the creature¡¯s hostility surging through the air like an electric charge.

    Eye of Verity!

    But Daisuke didn¡¯t shrink back.

    [Lipanthyer | Lvl 15 | Elite]

    So, the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang in my inventory came from this thing? But I¡¯ve never seen it before. Do Field Bosses give random monster drops?

    Pushing the thought aside, Daisuke steeled his nerves. While the monster was preoccupied, he seized his opportunity, springing into action with his Bonepick dagger. He aimed for the Lipanthyer¡¯s powerful hind legs, piercing through muscle and sinew. His attacks triggered his weapon¡¯s bleed effect as he stole away the creature¡¯s speed, and it roared out in pain.

    A female archer stepped forward. Her skill with the bow was evident as she pulled the string back taut with practiced ease. With a swish, the arrow was loose, and it sailed through the air with deadly precision.

    The arrow found its mark, blinding one of the creature¡¯s eyes and inducing a paralysis debuff. The Lipanthyer, now immobilized and writhing in agony, was an easy target for the mages.

    Chanting incantations in unison, they summoned the elements to their bidding. Bolts of lightning, torrents of fire, and gusts of chilling wind converged upon their paralyzed foe, scorching fur and searing flesh.

    With the creature weakened and on the brink of collapse, the damage dealers, Daisuke and Osten among them, moved in for the final assault. Their weapons flashed in the dappled sunlight as they struck the deciding blow.

    The Lipanthyer whined pitifully as it took its final, labored breaths. Its once fierce eye now held a vacant, lifeless gaze.

    ¡°We did it!¡± Elena cheered, high-fiving her friends. But when she spied Osten¡¯s unfriendly gaze, she shrunk back silently.

    As the class regrouped, the victorious feeling of a successful hunt settled over them. The monster¡¯s corpse, like the others, would be brought back to Cleave, the guild¡¯s butcher, at the end of their expedition. The meat would find its way into the academy¡¯s cafeteria, while the gold and valuable materials would be divided among the students.

    Daisuke was happy Wallet-kun was putting on a little weight, but he wasn¡¯t quite sure how to feel when the field assessment officially began.

    DING!

    [Ace the Guild¡¯s Field Assessment]

    [Quest Difficulty: D

    In response to the tragic fates that have befallen numerous young adventurers, the guild has taken a proactive step by instituting an academy. This academy serves as a rigorous training ground, designed to carefully evaluate and nurture its younger recruits.

    After weeks of both theoretical and practical instruction, the field assessment stands as the ultimate crucible¡ªthe guild¡¯s final gauntlet to ascertain your mettle. It¡¯s your last chance to demonstrate your readiness and worthiness to join the ranks of the greatest adventurers.

    Clear Conditions: Slay the Exiled Hilitroll Chief and bring back its head as proof of the kill.

    Rewards:

    ?? Reinstated guild license

    ?? Affinity with Guildmaster Baldin and Professor Bayley +25%

    ?? EXP +80,000

    ?? 75 Gold

    ?? Spell Book x1

    Quest Failure: Your guild license will be revoked.]

    The class of eighteen watched in bated breath as the wagon filled with monsters slowly disappeared into the distance, leaving them surrounded by nothing but the perilous embrace of the open wilderness, and a task that would determine their future.

 CHAPTER 48: Greed & Discrimination â€“ The Field Test

    ¡°Okay listen up, everyone,¡± barked Osten, his voice commanding more fear than respect. ¡°We¡¯re not planning to make a vacation out of this forest, so I suggest you pick up the pace and stop dragging your feet.¡±

    ¡°Before we do,¡± began Callista, the female mage in Osten¡¯s party, ¡°we should designate a leader and formulate a strategy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take the lead,¡± Osten asserted firmly, preempting any discussion of a vote. No one dared to challenge him. ¡°According to the professor, our objective for this assessment is to hunt the Hilitroll Field Boss.¡±

    ¡°Bring back its head as proof,¡± Professor Bayley had said with a mischievous smile. ¡°Though you¡¯ll earn more rewards for bringing back the whole corpse.¡±

    In most MMOs, locating and battling Field Bosses was relatively straightforward as they had fixed spawn locations and times. Players who wanted to hunt it needed only to be prompt in their arrival, and those with the highest ?damage per second?, or DPS, would typically claim the kill.

    In Sehreneti, however, Field Bosses roamed a wide area and their respawn times were random. Artificial intelligence promoted unpredictable behaviors; it wasn¡¯t impossible for it to be freediving at the bottom of a lake hunting for fish, taking shelter from the rain in a secluded cave, or even climbing a steep cliff to claim a curious flower.

    The creatures in the game were remarkably lifelike, in almost every sense of the term. They weren¡¯t mere scripted automatons with a limited range of behaviors; these AI appeared to experience emotions, acquire knowledge, and display a genuine curiosity about themselves and the world around them.

    As a result, they were profoundly unpredictable. It would have taken a few weeks, if not a few months, for them to locate the Hilitroll¡ªbut perhaps the guild was hoping for that outcome. Spending an extended period of time in the wilderness meant the class would be tested in all the different faculties they studied at the academy.

    Struggling to find the Field Boss would have honed their tracking abilities; camping in the woods would have strengthened their survival skills; and encountering numerous monsters in between would have taught them proper teamwork, communication, and organizational skills.

    ¡°Does anyone here possess any tracking skills?¡± Osten inquired, scanning the group expectantly.

    A few individuals exchanged glances until a calm and collected female archer stepped forward. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t call it tracking,¡± she said, ¡°but I can scan an area within 100 meters using an ability similar to echolocation. Plus, I have an archer-exclusive skill that lets me see over long distances.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s perfect,¡± Callista chimed in. ¡°If we position you on high ground, it should improve our chances of finding the troll.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Osten asked.

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    ¡°Lyanna.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Lyanna, you¡¯ll be in the front with the rest of us.¡±

    Daisuke frowned.

    At the same time, Lyanna¡¯s eyes widened suspiciously, curious about the meaning behind the words. ¡°What formation should we use?¡± she inquired. ¡°I suggest we stick to what Professor Bayley taught us since¡ª¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be in the vanguard,¡± Osten interrupted, emphasizing ¡°we¡± to mean the player-based group. ¡°The NPCs will provide support from the rear. Haxks,¡± he sneered as he pronounced the name, ¡°you¡¯ll stay behind and protect the healers.¡±

    Daisuke nonchalantly tucked his hands into his pockets without uttering a word. In Sehreneti, the inhabitants were highly self-aware, and openly referring to them as NPCs was considered derogatory.

    They much preferred to be addressed as Locals instead¡ªand this marked the second occasion where Osten had openly disrespected them. Though the NPCs harbored a sense of indignation, they followed Daisuke''s lead and maintained their silence.

    Most of the adventurers in Class A were players; Osten¡¯s arrangement was obviously a ploy to ensure they reaped all the rewards by monopolizing monster kills. But the NPCs couldn¡¯t complain; they were sorely outnumbered.

    It was obvious a few of the players were uncomfortable with the selfish arrangement, but they were too fearful to voice their objections. Most looked on menacingly, daring the NPCs to challenge the status quo.

    ¡°If we¡¯re all in understanding,¡± Osten began, ¡°then let¡¯s get a move on.¡±

    ***

    ¡°Hey! I think I see something!¡±

    All eyes veered in the direction of the distant voice, their gazes fixed upon a lofty pine tree. After hours of mowing through hordes of monsters, it seemed fortune was finally within reach.

    Lyanna gingerly descended from the tree, her expression brighter than it was just a few minutes ago. ¡°It¡¯s not exactly what we¡¯re searching for, but if my instincts are correct, it¡¯s just as valuable.¡±

    ¡°Lead the way then,¡± Osten commanded.

    ¡°Alright, follow me.¡±

    The group proceeded cautiously, maintaining a close-knit formation as they shadowed Lyanna¡¯s path. Just beyond her visual range, she had spotted an intriguing gleam. As the party drew nearer, they realized it was a¡ª

    ¡°Crystal Field!¡± someone exclaimed, their voice filled with disbelief. ¡°A Crystal Field, I can¡¯t believe it!¡±

    ¡°Whoa! It really is a Crystal Field!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve hit the jackpot!¡±

    As excitement filled the air and everyone rushed to harvest the loot, Daisuke cautiously slowed to a halt and began surveying their surroundings with the Eye of Verity.

    The sight before them was indeed a Crystal Field, but it was in its infancy; the mana clusters were just beginning to emerge from the ground like newly sprouted plants. However, that wasn¡¯t what concerned him. Common knowledge dictated that a Crystal Field signaled the proximity of a dungeon. Daisuke didn¡¯t need to see the physical structure to know it was close by.

    Through the Eye of Verity, he noted that, unlike the Hidden Dungeon, the area around them was shrouded in a blue miasma instead of purple.

    What could this mean¡ªa different type of dungeon, or just a variation in power? Regardless, being within the miasma and in such close proximity to its source was unsettling. And Zephyr¡¯s head popped out of his shirt, sharing in the discomfort.

    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t think this is a good idea,¡± Daisuke cautioned, his tone laced with concern. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t be here.¡±

    At his inauspicious words, the NPCs backed away, but the players were consumed by greed¡ªwide eyes, greedy smiles, busy hands. Nothing else mattered but uprooting the crystals and filling their pockets, but karma had another plan.

    The players¡¯ jubilation was cut short by an ominous tremor beneath their feet. Daisuke flinched as the ground quivered, like a beast awakening from a deep slumber. Panic surged through the ranks of the party, but it was already too late.

    With a deafening roar, the earth beneath them gave way, and the adventurers¡ªplayers and Locals alike¡ªtumbled into the gaping maw of an underground cavern.

 CHAPTER 49: Dark Destination â€“ The Playersâ€™ Moral Compass

    Terrified screams echoed in the blackness as the party slipped and tumbled down a long, jagged slope. Loose rocks and debris followed them, a chaotic avalanche of earth and stone.

    Daisuke¡¯s instincts kicked in, and he desperately stabbed his Bonepick into the hard ground to slow his perilous descent. Osten followed suit, his sword digging into the unforgiving surface. Lyanna, usually graceful and composed, frantically attempted to do the same with an arrow, but it snapped under the immense pressure. She didn¡¯t hesitate to follow-up by using her trusty bow as a makeshift anchor.

    Despite their efforts, the pull of gravity was relentless. One by one, they reached the bottom, each landing with a thud. The fall had been roughly 80 meters, and the impact was jarring. Groans of pain filled the subterranean chamber, but miraculously, no one seemed to have sustained any life-threatening injuries.

    ¡°Cough! Is everyone all right?¡± asked Daisuke as he slowly got to his feet.

    ¡°Arf!¡± Zephyr¡¯s head popped out again.

    ¡°I lost a perfectly good arrow, but I¡¯m okay,¡± murmured Lyanna.

    ¡°Just a few bruises.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ hard to breathe.¡±

    ¡°I can hardly see anything.¡±

    As the dust settled and the echoes of their voices faded, everyone realized the dire situation they were in. They had fallen deep into a dungeon, and its vast dimensions were shrouded in darkness.

    As their eyes partially adjusted to the gloom, they could see that they were not alone. Strange, luminescent fungi clung to the walls, casting an eerie, bluish light.

    Daisuke, always vigilant, took stock of their surroundings. After confirming there was no way back to the surface from where they fell in, he turned to the group who were still collecting themselves.

    ¡°Are all the healers okay?¡± He asked.

    ¡°For the most part.¡±

    ¡°¡­Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Dammit! Did anyone manage to get any of the Mana Crystals?¡± Osten demanded, his voice cutting off the third healer before he could respond.

    Thanks to his sturdy armor, he hadn¡¯t sustained any injuries from the fall whatsoever. His only discomfort lay in the fact that he hadn¡¯t managed to increase his wealth at all.

    ¡°Are you injured?¡± inquired Daisuke as he reached out to the healer who was rudely interrupted.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he reassured, ¡°just a few bruises here and there.¡±

    Daisuke nodded, then projected his voice just enough for everyone to hear. ¡°If anyone is seriously injured, just raise your hand and a healer will attend to you.¡±

    Osten¡¯s expression twisted with derision. Not only was he being ignored, but his position was at risk of being taken away from him. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m the one in charge here!¡± he barked venomously. ¡°Where the hell do you get off giving out orders like that while I¡¯m standing right here!¡±

    Many in the group glared at Osten, shocked by his lack of consideration. Daisuke had cautioned them about the dangers of the Crystal Field, but his warning had fallen on deaf ears.

    Now, despite the circumstances, he was still looking out for their well-being. However, all Osten could seemingly think about was the insidious Crystal Field that had landed them in this predicament.

    Beyond his growing annoyance, Daisuke remembered a lecture from Thalia¡¯s class:

    ¡ª ¡°The interior layout of dungeons may differ, but they all seem to adhere to the same fundamental blueprint: they consist of multiple floors, each infested with hordes of monsters, overseen by a more formidable entity known as a Floor Guardian. Finally, at the very bottom level of the dungeon lies the chamber hosting the Dungeon Boss.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you clearly understand the situation we¡¯re in,¡± Daisuke calmly began. ¡°We¡¯ve fallen into a dungeon.¡±

    ¡°No, you don¡¯t understand the situation,¡± Osten retorted loudly, aggressively poking his armored finger against Daisuke¡¯s chest. ¡°We didn¡¯t fall that far down; all we have to do is climb back to the surface. You¡¯re making the situation appear more dire than it really is.¡±

    All of a sudden, a single growl resonated through the darkness. Then another, and another, each followed by a pair of piercing red eyes. Like a domino effect, the stranded adventurers found themselves surrounded by a horde of vicious monsters.

    WHOOOOOOOSH!

    A blazing ball of fire suddenly hurled from the darkness, its target¡ªOsten, who had failed to control the volume of his voice. It was such an abrupt and unexpected assault that he couldn¡¯t properly gather his thoughts. Blitz, the tank from his party, was too far away to protect him, and he knew his sword and armor wouldn¡¯t be enough to fend off the projectile.

    His gaze shot to the side.

    Reflexively, spurred on by a need for self-preservation, he reached for the closest Beastkin and used her as a human shield. Elena felt disoriented at the sudden speed at which her body was dragged to the side. Time slowed, her eyes widening in horror as the flames illuminated the walls as it drew nearer. Instinctively, she raised her arms to protect her face.

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    PHOOOSHHH!

    ¡°KYAAAAAAAAAA!¡±

    A blood-curdling scream tore from her lungs as the ball of fire exploded against her body, gruesomely burning her arms and face. Osten was thrown back by the blast. The foul smell of burning skin and hair permeated the air. The adventurers flinched back in terror at the intoxicating smell, but the monsters lurking in the darkness were thrown into a frenzy by the appetizing smell of a warm meal.

    At the sound of Elena¡¯s pained scream, Zephyr frantically leaped from Daisuke¡¯s clothes and darted between her and the deluge of incoming monsters.

    ¡°ZEPHYR!¡± Daisuke bellowed, fearing the worst.

    But the canine stood his ground, blue eyes fierce, hackles raised, a challenging growl rippling from a maw lined with razor sharp teeth. Elena, the quiet and innocent demihuman, reminded him of a very dear friend, and he felt obligated to protect her, every fiber and cell of his being did.

    DING!

    [Your Companion, Zephyr, has learned the active skill ?Berserk?.]

    Brushing the notification window aside, Daisuke clicked his tongue. In a swift motion, he leaned forward, propelling himself like a bullet. Through the Eye of Verity, the monsters appeared as a mass of surging crimson mana against the cavern¡¯s abyss.

    Just in the nick of time, his arms encircled Elena and Zephyr, snatching them from the brink of being swallowed up by the wave of lupine monsters. But the relentless wave didn¡¯t stop, nor did it slow¡ªthe voracious creatures continued their fierce descent, bearing down upon the hapless bastard still sprawled on the ground.

    ¡°Mages!¡± Daisuke¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°Lights! We need more lightning!¡±

    ¡°Ri-Right!¡± Callista stammered, her staff aglow as she conjured a radiant orb of light suspended in mid-air.

    In an instant, the expansive cavern was flooded with illumination, revealing a nightmarish scene. A horde of Inferno Wolves encircled Osten, their ravenous hunger evident as they started tearing him apart akin to a pack of African wild dogs ripping apart a defenseless antelope on the open savanna.

    ¡°GHHAAAAAA! HELP! HELP ME!¡±

    Osten¡¯s desperate cry was cut short, his throat crushed by a pair of mighty jaws. The adventurers stood transfixed, witnessing the horrific spectacle as Osten¡¯s armor was torn asunder, his body subjected to the brutal force of powerful fangs and claws.

    Blood flowed from every orifice as he writhed in agony, the wolves rending both flesh and bone, taking him apart like a stuffed animal. It was a gruesome scene, but to most, a fitting end for a heinous human being.

    Callista, however, didn¡¯t think the same.

    ¡°YOUUU!¡± she hissed with venom, piecing together what had transpired from the survivors cradled in Daisuke¡¯s arms. ¡°You left Osten to die!¡±

    In the real world, humans weren¡¯t given a second chance when they died; once your heart stopped beating, everything was over. To maintain the severity of this harsh truth while preserving fairness in the game, the developers imposed a harsh penalty for death. A player would lose an entire level upon dying in the game, which was a significant setback.

    It might not seem like that bad of a trade-off, but when you consider the fact that leveling up becomes increasingly difficult the higher one¡¯s level, it becomes an inescapable nightmare. Losing a level for a ?Ranker? was akin to losing months¡¯ worth of intense grinding on monsters.

    ¡°You heartless bastard!¡± Blitz¡¯s anger surged, teeth grinding as they watched Osten¡¯s body mass dwindle. ¡°You chose to save a few worthless NPCs over a player?¡±

    All eyes turned to Daisuke, anticipating a rational explanation, but his response was¡ª

    ¡°The Locals have only one life,¡± he explained calmly, his tone steady. ¡°Meanwhile, players can respawn indefinitely. My choice was pretty clear.¡±

    The NPCs gazed upon Daisuke with warmth and gratitude, their appreciation evident in their eyes. However, a stark contrast emerged among the players, their expressions now tainted with disdain.

    Even those who had once held him in high regard now bore looks of anger, their simmering resentment palpable as they rose to their feet, united in a singular intent¡ªto eradicate both him and the ravenous monsters.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°R-Right.¡±

    As the heart-wrenching sight of Elena¡¯s unmoving form cradled in Daisuke¡¯s arms played out before them, Rexar and Milo, the two steadfast members from her circle, reacted swiftly. They sprinted to Daisuke¡¯s side, their expressions a blend of grief and determination. The remaining trio of NPCs¡ªLyanna, a tank, and a warrior¡ªfollowed suit, united in purpose.

    Blitz sneered, sharing the sentiment of the players. ¡°This works out perfectly.¡±

    ¡°Now we can crush you all at once,¡± said Callista, her words laced with malice as she raised her staff.

    The other mages hoisted their staffs in unison, and the warriors brandished their weapons. The NPCs huddled close to Daisuke, and Zephyr took a protective stance at the forefront, growling menacingly.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan?¡± Rexar murmured, adopting a martial arts stance.

    Lyanna expertly nocked an arrow and drew her bowstring taut. The tank readied a large shield, the warrior a lengthy sword, and Milo clutched his staff, trembling in the back.

    A glow denoting the Eye of Verity blazed inside of Daisuke¡¯s pupils like a tenacious flame in the wind. ¡°When I give the signal,¡± he whispered in an undertone, ¡°quickly run to the left.¡±

    Everyone covertly acknowledged the plan, their glances shifting subtly in the designated direction. An unspoken understanding passed among them, marked by discreet nods. Milo¡¯s grip on his staff tightened, and he swallowed nervously.

    While the mages initiated their spell with an incantation, Blitz signaled discreetly to the others. ¡°Healers, stay back,¡± he ordered. ¡°The rest of you, ready your weapons; we¡¯ll cut down any who manage to escape the spells¡¯ bombardment.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s gaze pierced through Blitz and the warriors who were arming themselves for a devastating strike. He briefly glanced into the inky abyss beyond them, sensing a lurking menace. Then his attention shifted to the mages, who were nearing the culmination of their incantation.

    They raised their staffs high, their voices synchronized in an arcane chant that resonated through the cavern. Power danced in their eyes as they uttered the ancient words of power, channeling their collective mana into a fiery crescendo.

    ¡°Inferno, forge thy fury, from the embers of the earth, rise!¡± At the united command, a seething torrent of flames burst forth, surging with unrelenting fury. It incinerated the Inferno Wolves in an instant. The remnants of Osten¡¯s glowing body were reduced to ash, scattered by the inferno¡¯s relentless advance. Then the consuming flames barreled toward the next targets.

    Milo peed a little.

    Daisuke smirked, seizing this opportune moment to enact his plan while the attacking mages were incapable of moving. Without hesitation, he unleashed his Intimidate skill, focusing his will on the menacing beast lurking in the shadows behind the assailants.

    DING!

    [The target monster¡¯s Stats far exceed your own; Intimidation has failed.]

    An unfortunate prompt. However, Daisuke harbored no regrets; his objective was not to intimidate but to incite the creature¡¯s wrath, and in this, he succeeded.

    The colossal figure emerged from the obscurity, bathed in an ominous glow, its monstrous presence filling the chamber.

    DING!

    [The Floor Guardian¡¯s fiery gaze falls upon the trespassers.]

    [Giant Inferno Wolf | Lvl 25 | Floor Guardian]

    With a deafening roar, the colossal wolf unleashed a searing cascade of flames. Blitz, the healers, the warriors, the mages, and Callista, stood frozen in stunned horror, their eyes widening as the fiery onslaught bore down upon them¡ªa cataclysmic wall of blazing death.

    In a blinding flash, they were engulfed, their pained screams echoing off the cavern walls as they melted like plastic to a flame, their very beings disintegrating into columns of radiant light.

    ¡°NOW! GO! GO! GO!¡±

    Simultaneously, Daisuke signaled his group to move, a symphony of swift footsteps echoing as they narrowly escaped the fiery cataclysm. They dashed into a narrow passage that led to a small chamber, where the inferno¡¯s deadly embrace could not follow.

 CHAPTER 50: Lupine Disaster â€“ The Floor Guardian

    Daisuke gently lowered Elena to the ground, her body fragile and limp in his arms. Even in unconsciousness, her eyebrows were furrowed in a pained expression¡ªa testament to the excruciating agony wrought by the second-degree burns that marred her body.

    ¡°Stay here and look after her,¡± Daisuke instructed Milo before turning his gaze to the others. ¡°We won¡¯t be safe here for very long unless we clean up this floor.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the game plan?¡± Lyanna asked with urgency, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.

    Daisuke¡¯s gaze swept over the group, his mind racing to formulate a strategy. ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be that many Inferno Wolves left,¡± he said, his tone calculated. ¡°While you four deal with the rest of them, Zephyr and I will hold off the Floor Guardian until we can all regroup.¡±

    Rexar frowned, his apprehension evident. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t it be the other way around? You dealing with the pack while we hunt the Floor Guardian?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s got a point,¡± the tank chimed in, nodding in agreement. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it make more sense to focus our numbers on the bigger threat?¡±

    Daisuke shook his head, his eyes unwavering. ¡°No, we need numbers to clear out the wolves as quickly as possible,¡± he explained patiently. ¡°Two people won¡¯t be able to eliminate the pack before they disperse, and if they attack while you¡¯re all facing off against the guardian, or worse, if you¡¯re surrounded, we¡¯ll all be wiped out. If fewer people confront the boss, it¡¯s less likely to rampage while giving chase. That will give you four enough time and space to clean up the wolf pack. Don¡¯t argue, just go; we don¡¯t have the luxury of debating this any longer.¡±

    A muscle twitched in Rexar¡¯s jaw as he glanced down at Elena, his worry for her evident. Lyanna bit her lip anxiously but rose to her feet, her bow at the ready.

    ¡°Alright,¡± she said resolutely, her determination shining through. ¡°Let¡¯s do it. Just don¡¯t die before she can officially thank you for earlier.¡±

    Daisuke nodded.

    To Milo''s dismay, the chamber emptied as everyone made their way out just in time to witness the impending threat. A formidable wolf pack, numbering at least twenty, approached with a vicious snarl.

    As they lunged forward, the tank stood firm, meeting them head-on. His raised shield crashed into the nearest pair, slamming them forcefully against the unyielding cavern wall like hammer to a nail.

    Lyanna¡¯s arrows flew with deadly accuracy, finding their mark in the eye sockets of the detestable beasts. Rexar grabbed a lunging wolf by its thick fur, slamming it into the hard ground with brutal efficiency. The samurai warrior, swift as lightning, drew his sword and sliced through the monsters with a masterful precision reminiscent of slicing sashimi.

    The tension was palpable as Daisuke faced off against the imposing Floor Guardian, but not before swiftly looting the spoils strewn about from the fallen players. His hands moved with the dexterity of a seasoned thief.

    The beast¡¯s eyes followed every movement ravenously. Zephyr could sense the impending clash, and the air seemed to hum with anticipation. His snarl echoed through the chamber, oceanic eyes brewing a fierce storm. Then, like a tempest unleashed, he recklessly charged forth.

    The guardian, a colossal wolf-like creature, matched Zephyr¡¯s challenge with a thunderous growl. With swiftness that betrayed its massive size, its enormous front paw rose and then descended with the force of a catapult, connecting with Zephyr¡¯s tiny form.

    The pup was propelled like a cannonball, hurtling helplessly towards the cavern wall. Daisuke quickly threw himself into his path, becoming a living shield.

    BOOOM!

    The impact was devastating; Zephyr crashed into his chest with bone-crushing force, snapping several ribs like brittle twigs. Agony coursed through Daisuke¡¯s body, knocking the air from his lungs. Their combined momentum slammed them mercilessly into the wall. A deep indentation formed, cracks radiating outwards like veins.

    ¡°Cough!¡±

    Blood splattered from Daisuke¡¯s mouth. His eyebrows knitted as he glanced down at Zephyr. Despite the damage, the canine was still mindlessly rearing to go, his fur bristled in absolute fury.

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    [Berserk]

    [Rank: Rare

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Unleashing the primal fury within, Zephyr enters a state of frenzied aggression, enhancing his strength and speed at the expense of self-preservation and some levels of self-control. In this state, Zephyr becomes a relentless force, unleashing devastating attacks upon its foes until either victory is achieved or its own demise.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Upon activation, Attack Power, Attack Speed, and Movement Speed surge by 45% for 5 minutes. However, Composure, Defense, and Dexterity plummet by 50%, 30%, and 20% respectively.

    ?? After the skill elapses, Zephyr will be unable to move for 10 minutes, and mana will be reduced to zero.

    Mana Cost: 40% of Max Mana

    Skill Duration: 5 Minutes

    Skill Cooldown: 24 Hours]

    Dammit! Is he unable to think clearly due to the Berserker state?¡± Daisuke thought, frustration evident in his eyes. The backlash is brutal, and the activation time should be reaching its end. I need to wrap up this fight as quickly as possible, but how?

    DING!

    [Your Companion, Zephyr, has learned the active skill ?Divine Armament?.]

    [Divine Armament]

    [Rank: Unique

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Tapping into the vein of divine providence, Zephyr envelops his entire body in a translucent armor forged of holy magic, significantly bolstering defense. This sacred and formidable barrier protects against both physical and magical attacks.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Enhances Physical and Magical Defense by 65% for a duration of 3 minutes.

    ?? As proficiency increases, the intricate details of the golden armor become more pronounced.

    Mana Cost: 50% of Max Mana

    Skill Duration: 3 Minutes

    Skill Cooldown: 45 Minutes]

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. That¡¯s incredible! He exclaimed inwardly. No wonder the cooldown time is almost an hour; this skill is absolutely epic!

    ¡°Nice. I can see a way out now,¡± he murmured with a smile, even as he slipped a pair of berries into Zephyr¡¯s mouth. Then he popped one into his own.

    [Vitaberry]

    [Gathered from the Vitality Tree, Vitaberries serve as the key ingredient in crafting health recovery potions.

    Item Effect: Replenishes 150 health

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    [Etherberry]

    [Etherberry bushes require plenty of water and moonlight to grow, and it is rumored that exposure to mana supposedly helps to accelerate their growth to maturity. Etherberry are a crucial component in the creation of mana replenishing potions.

    Item Effect: Replenishes 150 mana

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    WHOOOSH!

    The guardian¡¯s snout glowed with an ominous purplish-black flame, which foretold of an impending disaster. In response, Zephyr leaped from Daisuke¡¯s hand, his small frame still radiating a bright crimson aura from the Berserk skill.

    ¡°Zephyr!¡± Daisuke¡¯s voice carried a note of urgency as the Bonepick materialized in his grip. ¡°I want you to keep your distance and use four skills: Divine Armament, Gallop, Antagonize, and Ember. While you¡¯re keeping it distracted, I¡¯ll move in and try to take it down.¡±

    FWOOOOSH!

    The conversation was abruptly severed as a river of fire descended akin to the infernal breath of Hades, determined to consume everything in its path.

    Zephyr swiftly evaded the fiery fangs by a hair¡¯s breadth, blessed by the swiftness of his skill. With a provoking roar, he successfully seized the guardian¡¯s attention, winning its aggro. Then his small form was enveloped by an invisible barrier that momentarily flashed with protective light.

    DING!

    [The proficiency of the active skill ?Ember? has advanced to level 2! Ember now transforms into Emberstorm!]

    [Emberstorm]

    [Rank: Normal

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    With a primal howl, Zephyr ignites his inner fire, unleashing a searing blaze from his jaws that engulfs enemies like the vicious seas at Sirens¡¯ Reach.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? There¡¯s a 25% chance of inflicting the ?Burn? Status.

    Mana Cost: 30

    Skill Cooldown: 7 Seconds

    Skill Cooldown: 15 Seconds]

    As Daisuke made a beeline for the Floor Guardian, he observed with satisfaction as Zephyr¡¯s flames engulfed the creature¡¯s face with a vengeance.

    The chamber seemed to shudder with the beast¡¯s agonized roar as it struggled, its hulking form careening into the cavern wall like a wrecking ball.

    Capitalizing on its disoriented state, Daisuke lunged forward like a reckless cheetah at an elephant. His dagger struck out, aimed at the creature¡¯s seemingly vulnerable body.

    ¡°Ugh!¡±

    However, it quickly became evident that vulnerability was an illusion. His dagger failed to pierce the coarse fur, let alone the thick hide beneath it.

    Dammit! It¡¯s like striking sandpaper!

    Even with the exceptional piercing ability of the Bonepick, the harsh reality remained¡ªit was a level 1 weapon. To conquer this monstrous adversary, he¡¯d have to identify and target its weak points.

    As the savage beast relentlessly pursued Zephyr to exact revenge a thousand-fold, it left behind a trail of destruction in its wake. Yet, Daisuke kept close, his eyes tracing the creature¡¯s lower legs, then narrowing in on the tendons. Next, his focus shifted to the eyes and underbelly.

    ¡°I know what I need to do, but I¡¯ll need some help,¡± he murmured before sending a mental command to his Status Window to equip the recently acquired loot.

    <hr>

    If you''re looking for advanced chapters and wanting to show your support, be sure to check out the links below. Also, the free weekly chapters are released in batches of three (3) on Patreon every Monday:

    ? Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vaughnrrschneider</a>

    ? Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/VaughnSchneider</a>

    ? Discord: https://dsc.gg/vaughnschneider</a>

 CHAPTER 51: Dual Wielding â€“ The Salvaged Loot

    [Dunken¡¯s Copper Ring]

    [Rating: Normal

    Durability: 5/5 | Magical Defense: +3.3% | Magical & Physical Balance: +4%

    A ring polished so brightly it resembles a gold coin.

    ?? Strength +3

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+]

    [Jadeite Earrings]

    [Rating: Normal

    Durability: 4/4 | Magical Defense: +3.4% | Magical & Physical Balance: +4.7%

    Earrings said to have once been in the care of a High Elf. They are faintly imbued with the power of wind.

    ?? Agility +4

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+]

    [Nephrite Bracelet]

    [Rating: Normal

    Durability: 4/6 | Magical Defense: +4.1% | Magical & Physical Balance: +5.3%

    A bracelet made with rocks believed to have fallen from the heavens. It emits a subtle hint of mana.

    ?? Int +4

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+]

    [Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang +3]

    [Rank: Normal

    Type: Dagger

    Melee Attack Power: 65~74 | Durability: 64/71 | Attack Speed: +6%

    A menacing dagger forged from the fang of an elite Lipanthyer. The blade supposedly still possesses the predator¡¯s insatiable urge to ruthlessly hunt and bleed its prey dry.

    ?? Agility +3

    ?? Chance of triggering Bleed Status +35%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+ | Strength 25+ | Stamina 30+]

    Daisuke grinned, a flash of amusement dancing in his eyes. ¡°That bastard must really come from money,¡± he quipped, his voice tinged with derision.

    Though he found it senseless that Osten had poured valuable resources into enhancing a low-level weapon to +3, Daisuke couldn¡¯t deny that it now proved beneficial to him.

    Suddenly, his eyes snapped open with a fierce gleam, his hair fluttering as he channeled his energy, preparing to unleash a newfound strength.

    With a quick flick of the wrists, his daggers spun through the air like the blades of a fan, then he caught them by the hilt, wielding both weapons in a backhand grip.

    Assuming a battle stance, Daisuke¡¯s body dipped low, his gaze laser-focused on the target for which his blades hungered. Like a gust of wind, he surged forward, hot on the trail of the fiend as it continued its relentless pursuit of Zephyr.

    SASAK!

    His weapons drew an intersecting trajectory just above the Floor Guardian¡¯s paw, seeking to sever the tendons. But he couldn¡¯t get past the hard hide. Daisuke clicked his tongue in frustration, but he didn¡¯t give up. His tenacity finally bore fruit as both weapons sunk into the soft skin between the creature¡¯s toes.

    Yes! He exclaimed mentally, his hands becoming a blur as he repeatedly stabbed into the vulnerable flesh until the desired debuff took hold.

    I highly doubt this thing has more than 50k HP, Daisuke surmised. If I can keep the Bleed Status applied for at least 3 minutes, that should shave off at least 45k of HP.

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Saliva splattered onto the ground from the creature¡¯s gaping maw as it made an attempt to swallow Zephyr whole. The pup cleverly slipped beneath the beast¡¯s massive body to escape, his eyes meeting Daisuke¡¯s who was standing by the hind legs.

    ¡°You know what to do,¡± said Daisuke, flicking another Etherberry into the canine¡¯s mouth as they crossed paths.

    Then he tightened his grip on the Bonepick, found his mark, and plunged it into the beast¡¯s prosternum¡ªa section of its chest with receding hair. The creature heaved a pained roar, its body rearing upwards in response to the jarring blow. Its menacing red eyes frantically searched for its tormentor, but what it found was a blade hurtling towards its eye.

    UAAAAAAAAAAAK!

    A thunderous roar shook the cavern, sending a chill down the spines of other adventurers who had arrived on the scene. Reckless flames erupted from the creature¡¯s maw like a blazing inferno, threatening to bring down the entire cavern.

    But Daisuke and Zephyr remained undeterred; they nimbly dodged the falling rocks and debris, maintaining their relentless assault on the monster. Zephyr continued to draw aggro, keeping the fiend under control while Daisuke diligently reapplied the bleed debuff.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Lyanna stopped Rexar who was about to recklessly throw himself into the fray. ¡°You¡¯ll be crushed by the falling rocks; we need to find the right opening!¡±

    The samurai and tank regrettably agreed. Rexar grinded his teeth in frustration, and Lyanna contemplated offering support fire. But she didn¡¯t want to inadvertently pull the creature¡¯s aggro in the process.

    Three minutes felt like an eternity when the terrain and a vicious monster were conspiring against them. However, Daisuke and Zephyr persevered. As the third minute approached, the guardian¡¯s rage reached a fevered pitch.

    Amidst the chaos of falling rocks and the onslaught of fire, fangs and claws raining down like a meteor storm, Daisuke moved with lightning speed. Like a bullet slicing through the turmoil, he drove his dagger into the creature¡¯s remaining eye.

    As the fiend recoiled in agony, Zephyr leaped into action. Executing a stunning combination of Extreme Speed and Divine Armament, he propelled himself like a meteorite from across the room, becoming a force of nature in his own right.

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    The violent impact sent the roaring behemoth toppling to the unforgiving ground, its massive frame paralyzed by the debilitating effects of the Extreme Speed skill. No sooner had the beast fallen than Zephyr, his body drained by the merciless backlash of his skills, succumbed to exhaustion and collapsed, slipping into unconsciousness.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes blazed with determination. His Stat Points conceded to his desire as he channeled his energy into speed and power, transforming him into a veritable blur. With the agility of a torpedo, he zipped across the room, seamlessly swapping out his weapon in the same fluid motion.

    [Sturdy Club]

    [Rank: Normal

    Type: Blunt Weapon

    Melee Attack Power: 64~77 | Durability: 28/59 | Attack Speed: -12%

    The Exiled Hilitroll Chief¡¯s trusty weapon, hewn from the limb of the millennia-old oak known as the Tree of Ascension. Legend holds that every former chieftain¡¯s weapon was cut and carved from this ancient tree.

    ?? Strength +4

    ?? Knockback +82%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+ | Strength 60+ | Stamina 25+]

    WHAAAAM!

    The club met the Bonepick, still lodged in the monster¡¯s chest, with a resounding impact. The combination of speed and power, coupled with the knockback option fixed to the club, propelled the Bonepick straight through the guardian¡¯s heart and emerging from the other side of its massive body. The creature, without a sound or even a whimper, froze in its tracks and crumpled to the ground.

    DING!

    [Congratulations! You have slain the Floor Guardian ?Giant Inferno Wolf?!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [The passive skill ?Beginner Dagger Mastery? has been acquired.]

    [Swift Leather Boots has been acquired.]

    [The spell book ?Magic Chains? has been acquired.]

    [Vitaberry x4 has been acquired.]

    [Etherberry x7 has been acquired.]

    [Small HP Recovery Potion x2 has been acquired.]

    [Small MP Recovery Potion x1 has been acquired.]

    [Giant Inferno Wolf¡¯s Mana Core x1 has been acquired.]

    [Giant Inferno Wolf¡¯s fang x2 has been acquired.]

    [Giant Inferno Wolf¡¯s claw x1 has been acquired.]

    [Zephyr¡¯s level has risen!]

    [Zephyr¡¯s level has risen!]

    [Zephyr¡¯s level has risen!]

    [Zephyr¡¯s level has risen!]

    ***

    Daisuke staggered.

    His body felt like it was just run over by a steamroller, but he didn¡¯t allow himself to fall, not while so many eyes were fixed upon him. He absolutely refused to show any signs of weakness when he didn¡¯t know who he could trust.

    The raid had granted him three hard-earned levels, which did wonders for his health and mana, but his stamina remained drained. Rest was the only remedy for recharging stamina unless one possessed a rare and costly elixir.

    Rexar, bold as ever, offered his support by throwing Daisuke¡¯s arm over his shoulder. He couldn¡¯t help but question, ¡°Wh-What exactly are you? You¡¯re not secretly a ranker, are you?¡±

    The samurai contemplated Daisuke¡¯s appearance critically, then remarked, ¡°I don¡¯t think a ranker would be clad in such crude equipment.¡±

    PUOK!

    An arrow, metaphorically inscribed with the word ¡°discrimination,¡± struck Daisuke square in the heart.

    ¡°And a ranker wouldn¡¯t have struggled against such a low-level mob either,¡± added the tank.

    PUOK!

    Another arrow pierced him, and Daisuke winced. Should I have just left them to die?

    Lyanna interjected, her voice carrying a note of gratitude. ¡°Whatever the case, we should all be thankful that he saved us. I¡¯m pretty sure the three of us working together wouldn¡¯t have been able to defeat that monster.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s frown eased slightly.

    Lyanna followed up, concerned, ¡°How are you? Do you need a potion?¡±

    ¡°More importantly,¡± Daisuke redirected their attention, looking toward the hidden chamber, ¡°how is Elena?¡±

    Tension gripped the group at the mention of her name.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got Zephyr,¡± Lyanna assured, cradling the unconscious pup in her arms. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

 CHAPTER 52: The Unanimous Vote

    ¡°Did you guys manage to clear out all the monsters?¡± Daisuke inquired as they neared the entrance to the hidden chamber.

    The tank nodded in affirmation. ¡°Yes, but it probably won¡¯t be too long before they all respawn.¡±

    ¡°In that case,¡± Lyanna began, ¡°we probably shouldn¡¯t linger here for too long.¡±

    ¡°We should make haste and decide on our next move,¡± the samurai suggested.

    As they approached the final turn leading into the chamber, Rexar¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. Elena lay motionless on the ground, her body still bearing severe burns. Milo knelt beside her, his expression grave.

    ¡°Elena!¡± Rexar called out in a panic, abandoning Daisuke to rush to her side.

    Daisuke stumbled briefly, his annoyance evident in narrowed eyes. He sighed as the tank hurried to support him.

    ¡°Milo!¡± Rexar shouted in exasperation. ¡°Tha¡¯ hell are you doing? Why haven¡¯t you healed Elena?¡±

    Milo recoiled as if expecting to be hit. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he cried out, ¡°I¡¯ve run out of mana, and I don¡¯t have any potions.¡±

    Rexar clenched his teeth in frustration, his shoulders slumping in despair. ¡°Dammit. Elena, I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±

    Milo¡¯s gaze shifted to the motionless girl. ¡°Even if¡­ I had all my mana,¡± he hesitated, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I would have enough power to heal her wounds.¡±

    Lyanna lowered her gaze in dejection. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she began, ¡°I used up the last of my potions a while ago.¡±

    The others hung their heads in regret, realizing their predicament was more or less the same.

    DING!

    [Save Elena!]

    [Quest Difficulty: E

    Elena had always maintained a low profile, a strategy to shield her ambitions from the potentially destructive animosity of others. Yet, despite her best efforts, misfortune managed to seep through the crevices of her blessings, threatening to undermine her cherished goals.

    Clear Conditions: Heal Elena so that she can fulfill her promise to her family and friends.

    Rewards:

    ?? Affinity with Elena, Rexar, and Milo +70%

    ?? EXP +15,000

    ?? A favorable encounter

    Quest Failure:

    ?? Elena will succumb to her wounds

    ?? Affinity with Rexar and Milo -35%

    ?? The party¡¯s morale will plummet, lowering your chances of surviving the dungeon.]

    Without a word, Daisuke withdrew his arm from the tank¡¯s shoulder and slowly approached Elena. Kneeling beside her, he extended his palm and willed an item from his inventory.

    Rexar¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Th-That¡¯s¡­ are you really willing to use that for us? I mean¡­ it must be worth a ton of gold.¡±

    ¡°Do you remember what I told Osten?¡± Daisuke reminded them, prompting everyone to recall his words.

    ¡ª ¡°I don¡¯t think you clearly understand the situation we¡¯re in. We¡¯ve fallen into a dungeon.¡±

    ¡°Besides,¡± Daisuke continued, ¡°Elena¡¯s life is worth much more than just a handful of gold. All your lives are. If we want to get out of here in one piece, we¡¯ll need to pull together to make it happen.¡±

    Determined nods circulated among the group, reassured that their well-being was held in such high regard. At the same time, Daisuke uncorked the vial and carefully poured the pink liquid with utmost care over Elena¡¯s wounds.

    [Burn Heal]

    [A healing brew, concocted from a careful blend of five ingredients, with the Lunarfrost Lily as its core element. Upon application, it wraps the affected area in a cool, soothing aura, swiftly reducing inflammation and expediting healing.

    Item Effect: Heals burn wounds of any degree and replenishes 450 HP.

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    Everyone watched in delight as Elena¡¯s wound quickly disappeared, and the frown that once knitted her delicate eyebrows gradually faded. In a final touch, Daisuke gently lifted her head and administered a potion to fully restore her health.

    [Small HP Recovery Potion]

    [A potion brewed by combining Celestia Flowers and Vitaberries. Its restorative potency varies depending on the concentration grade.

    Item Effect: Replenishes 450 health

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    DING!

    [The quest ?Save Elena? has been completed!]

    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    [15,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [Affinity with Elena, Rexar, and Milo has increased by 70%.]

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Milo said with a deep bow. ¡°I can¡¯t even begin to imagine what might¡¯ve happened if you hadn¡¯t been here.¡±

    Rexar turned his head to the side with a pout, a rebellious blush staining his cheeks. ¡°¡­I owe you one.¡±

    Daisuke cringed. Is he secretly some kind of tsundere? ¡°Does anyone else need a potion?¡± he inquired.

    Milo shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve already taken one.¡±

    ¡°Same here,¡± said another.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Lyanna added her voice. ¡°And you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Daisuke reassured them. ¡°I did leave my dagger by the Floor Guardian¡¯s corpse though, so I¡¯ll head back out for a moment.¡±

    Nods of agreement circulated among the group.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± Lyanna urged, her concern evident. ¡°Our fates are intertwined, and we can¡¯t afford anything happening to you.¡±

    ¡°On second thought,¡± the tank began, ¡°maybe I should accompany you, just to be safe.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Daisuke asserted. ¡°In the meantime, the rest of you should get some rest. We¡¯ll discuss our next move when I get back.¡±

    In less than ten minutes, to everyone¡¯s relief, Daisuke safely reappeared, his Bonepick securely stowed away in his inventory. Elena had awakened, her cheeks brightening with color at his return.

    ¡°Good to see you¡¯re awake,¡± Daisuke greeted. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±

    Elena fidgeted with her fingers shyly, her gaze struggling to meet his. ¡°F-Fine¡­ thanks to you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± Daisuke replied. ¡°You gave us a bit of a scare there.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she apologized. ¡°I should¡¯ve been more cautious.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± Rexar interjected. ¡°It¡¯s that rat bastard Osten; he doesn¡¯t have a shred of decency in him.¡±

    Everyone nodded in unison.

    ¡°In any case,¡± Daisuke began, ¡°it¡¯s all in the past now. Our immediate focus should be on understanding our situation and finding a way out.¡±

    ¡°I can add some clarity to that,¡± Lyanna offered calmly as she made her way to the center of the group with a stick in hand. ¡°While you were away, I used my skill to map the immediate topography of the dungeon¡­¡±

    A palpable tension filled the air at her ominous pause.

    ¡°From what I can gather,¡± she continued, using the stick to illustrate, ¡°this dungeon has 12 floors, and we¡¯re currently here.¡± She pointed to a crudely drawn bubble a few levels down. ¡°We fell into an isolated chamber on the fifth floor, and we¡¯re surrounded by bedrock.¡±

    Daisuke frowned at the news. According to Thalia, dungeons had a minimum of at least 10 floors, but there were those that had as many as 100 or more.

    Luckily, this particular dungeon only had 12 floors. But the fact still remained that they had fallen into an incredibly dangerous place and was now trapped at nearly half its depth.

    ¡°What exactly does that mean?¡± the tank inquired.

    ¡°It means that unless we can all fly, there¡¯s no way back up. The walls around us are impenetrable, so our only option is to descend. If we follow this vein,¡± she drew an uneven line leading several levels down, ¡°we should reach the tenth floor. From there, we can begin ascending to the surface since all the floors will be interconnected.¡±

    ¡°Are you kidding?¡± Rexar exclaimed. ¡°You seriously want us to venture deeper into the dungeon?¡±

    ¡°Do you have a better plan?¡± Lyanna challenged. ¡°If so, I¡¯m all ears.¡±

    ¡°Dammit!¡± Rexar drove his fist into his palm. ¡°I feel like I want to punch Osten square in the face; this is all his fault!¡±

    The samurai coughed, peeking through one eye playfully. ¡°Well, if I recall correctly, you were one of the first in line to grab a Mana Crystal.¡±

    Rexar stammered. ¡°Ah¡ªwell, that was¡­ you see¡­¡±

    Laughter erupted among the group, a moment of relief amidst their challenging circumstances.

    ***

    Following a unanimous decision to venture onward to the tenth floor, the party embarked on their slow and perilous descent through a narrow crevice in the ground. Daisuke had Zephyr cradled in his shirt, the pup still soundly asleep.

    To ease the sense of claustrophobia, they engaged in conversation as they descended. The luminescent fungi clung to the walls, casting a soothing blue glow upon their faces. The atmosphere was chilly, and the air hung heavy with mustiness and humidity.

    Surprisingly, Milo remained calm despite his earlier nervousness. As conversation flowed, Daisuke discovered that the tank¡¯s name was Gavric, and the samurai¡¯s name was Finnian. Like Elena, Rexar, and Milo, they had been adventurers for a significant period of time but struggled to make substantial progress.

    As they carefully descended along the vertical path, Daisuke took a moment to inspect his rewards from the Floor Guardian raid.

    [Novice Dagger Mastery]

    [Rank: Normal

    Classification: Passive Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Dedicated practice and extended use of dagger-type weapons have sharpened your proficiency with these blades.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Enhances Physical Attack Power by 5% and boosts Attack Speed by 10% when wielding a dagger-type weapon.

    ?? Expands your foundational expertise in diverse dagger-fighting techniques. As your proficiency in this skill grows, so does your mastery of these techniques.]

    I figured it was just a matter of time before I got this, Daisuke thought mentally, but why does it feel like it took way longer than the polearm and archery weapon mastery that I don¡¯t even use? Is the System messing with me?

    [Magic Chains]

    [Rank: Normal

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Using the art of shape manipulation, mana is forged into golden chains designed to ensnare and immobilize targets. The chains¡¯ strength depends on the concentration of mana and the unwavering will of the caster.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Entraps targets at a cost of 5 mana per second. For more formidable adversaries, the mana cost scales with their strength.

    Mana Cost: 10

    Skill Cooldown: 10 Seconds]

    [Swift Leather Boots]

    [Rank: Rare

    Type: Footwear | Light Armor

    Durability: 53/53 | Physical Defense: 9 | Magical Defense: 16 | Movement Speed: +10% | Evasion Rate: +10

    Finely-crafted leather boots that bestow the wearer with exceptional speed and agility, allowing them to dart through challenges with grace and swiftness.

    When a speed-type skill is activated, either by you or a party member, there is a chance of activating the Haste skill, granting a 30-second burst of heightened speed.

    ?? Agility +3

    ?? Int +5

    ?? Chance of triggering Haste +10%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 21+ | Strength 70+ | Stamina 50+]

    Alright, I take it back, repented Daisuke. I suppose the System isn¡¯t so bad. I¡¯ve got plenty of titles and passives, but Magic Chains is only my second active skill, and it¡¯s not just your typical active skill either¡ªit¡¯s a CC skill.

    CC skills, short for ?crowd control?, grant the ability to partially or fully incapacitate one or more individuals or monsters, hindering their movement, weapon usage, or ability deployment using skills such as stuns and knockbacks.

    In any situation, CC skills reduce the number of adversaries actively participating in an encounter and makes it possible to down enemies without sustaining much or any damage. Being overwhelmed becomes less likely as well.

    With Magic Chains, I can immobilize multiple foes and deal with them at my own pace. My innate speed coupled with the haste skill on the new boots will make that pace pretty impressive. It¡¯s a shame the trigger rate is only 10%, and I¡¯ll have to wait until I get to the next level before I can equip it.

    But¡ª

    [Commoner¡¯s Boots]

    [Rank: Normal

    Type: Garment

    Durability: 3/5

    Unremarkably common, unassuming boots with subpar durability, typically seen on the feet of ordinary folks.

    Conditions of Use: None]

    Even without the options, it¡¯s definitely better than the pair of junk I¡¯m currently wearing, Daisuke thought embarrassingly. If I make it out of this dungeon, I really need to invest in better gear¡ª

    ¡°Whoa!¡±

    A poorly placed step sent pebbles plummeting down the narrow crevice.

    Gavric, who was climbing down above Daisuke, looked down in concern. ¡°Are you alright?¡± He asked, his deep voice echoing through the cramped space.

    Daisuke grunted as he shifted his weight to regain his balance. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± he replied, his voice slightly strained.

    ¡°Watch your footing; this climb isn¡¯t forgiving if you slip.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re definitely right about that. I¡¯ll be more careful.¡±

    Daisuke sighed. I probably shouldn¡¯t be multitasking while I¡¯m up here; it would be a shame if I got done in by falling to my death rather than in a fight against the monsters.

 CHAPTER 53: Unrequited Love & Peril

    CHENG-CHENG-CHENG

    In the bustling lobby of the Adventurers¡¯ Guild, the usual hum of activity was punctuated by an interesting development.

    CHENG-CHENG-CHENG

    Adventurers, clerks, and passersby looked on as a man clad in impressive heavy armor made his way across the room, his footsteps rattling with each step.

    With a confident, almost smug smile, the man came to a halt before the guild counter. He flashed his blonde hair with a flourish as his eyes met those of his soul mate.

    ¡°I can¡¯t hold it in any longer,¡± he declared with a blush, his voice filled with ardor. ¡°Thalia, you¡¯re the brightest star in this guild, and my heart has been captured by your radiance.¡±

    Excited whispers and knowing smiles rippled through the growing crowd as the other adventurers exchanged amused glances.

    ¡°Ha-ha! Another hopeful suitor,¡± one adventurer remarked.

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding! That¡¯s the 6<sup>th</sup> one today!¡± another chimed in.

    ¡°Poor guy,¡± a third observer mused.

    A few of Thalia¡¯s colleagues couldn¡¯t help but stare in open delight. The most obnoxious of them leaned over the counter, her impressive bust resting on her arm, chin resting comfortably in her palm.

    ¡°Hehe! This is going to be good,¡± she squealed.

    ¡°These guys just never learn, do they?¡± another clerk chuckled.

    ¡°Huhu~ You¡¯re just jelly because no one¡¯s confessed to you yet.¡±

    PAJIK!

    A blood vessel bulged in her temple.

    ¡°Where¡¯s my jerky? I want to enjoy this!¡± another girl teased, fumbling for a snack amidst the entertainment.

    The adventurer continued, his eyes locked on Thalia who stood behind the clerk¡¯s desk with a blas¨¦ expression, clearly unimpressed by the confession. ¡°You see, Thalia, I recently stumbled upon a Crystal Field deep in the dungeon. With the gold I earned, I purchased a charming house on the outskirts of town. Now, all that''s missing to make that house complete is a lovely woman by my side.¡±

    A chorus of laughter and teasing comments erupted from the gathered onlookers. Thalia¡¯s colleagues exchanged knowing glances and giggles.

    Thalia sighed, having heard countless love confessions during her time as a guild clerk. She folded her arms, her expression neutral. ¡°I appreciate your feelings,¡± she said with a practiced, gentle tone. ¡°But you¡¯re not the first to express such sentiments. I¡¯m not looking to settle down just yet; I want to focus on my work and helping adventurers like you.¡±

    The would-be suitor slumped his shoulders, his romantic dreams crushed, but he nodded understandingly. He turned away, his dejected footsteps echoing in the lobby as he retreated.

    CHENG-CHENG-CHENG

    As the crowd dispersed, Thalia shifted her gaze towards the windows across the room and noted that dusk was fast approaching. Though she held no joy in causing hurt feelings, she had learned from experience that being upfront with those who sought her affection was the most compassionate approach in the long run. By sparing them false hope, she hoped to mitigate the inevitable sorrow and disappointment that often followed unrequited love.

    She was just about to figuratively loosen the laces of her proverbial corset and allow her shoulders to sag when a figure seemingly materialized at the counter before her.

    ¡°Oh,¡± she flinched back in surprise, swallowing the loud and obnoxious sigh she was about to unleash. ¡°Sorry, I didn''t see you there.¡±

    "Huhuhu," the old man chuckled deeply, sunken eyes shrouded beneath thick gray eyebrows, giving him an eerie air. "I''m often told I don''t have much of a presence."

    ¡°I-Is that so?¡± she stammered, her lips contorting into an awkward, lopsided smile as she peered down at the unassuming man whose presence almost felt artificially subdued.

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    He stood no taller than 80 centimeters in height, his hunched posture leaning on an old staff for support. His modest attire hinted at a humble background, presumably from a rural village.

    "How may I assist you today?" Thalia asked, her tone poised and professional as she squared her shoulders.

    "I would like to submit a guild request."

    "Of course," she replied, turning with a practiced elegance towards several stacks of parchment arranged neatly nearby. "What is the nature of your request?"

    ¡°Monsters have been frequently attacking the village.¡±

    "Then, monster eradication," Thalia concluded, selecting a single sheet from the corresponding stack and offering it to the elderly man. "Please proceed to fill out this form with all the relevant information. Once completed, I will determine an appropriate fee for the job."

    The man nodded, purposefully disposing himself to the deed. Gingerly, he elevated himself on tiptoes to reach the counter. He struggled to hold the pen, and his penmanship was less than stellar, but Thalia had seen worse.

    She carefully appraised the finished application, provided a quote for the commission, and bid him farewell. As the elderly man navigated through the expansive lobby, he crossed paths with a duo bearing the markings of seasoned adventurers, sparking a mysterious energy between them.

    The two warriors halted in their tracks, exchanging curious glances as they observed the wrinkled old man''s departure toward the exit.

    ¡°He smells of shit and piss,¡± one of them remarked sternly.

    ¡°...And blood,¡± the other added with a frown.

    Thalia reached for the magic scale as one of the adventurers dropped a sack of Mana Crystals on the counter. "Seems like you both had a profitable day," she remarked, offering a friendly introduction.

    "You could say that," replied the man, the more civilized of the two. "By the way, that old man... he reeks of goblins."

    "Did he?" she asked rhetorically, her tone tinged with indifference. "He just submitted a request to have the goblins that attacked his village exterminated, so I imagine he''s had some close encounters."

    "...Is that so," the man murmured, his gaze following the elder as he disappeared through the large front door.

    Thalia didn''t dwell on the matter. As soon as both men had left, she shifted her focus back to the windows across the room. To her surprise, the world beyond had already succumbed to the embrace of night, shrouded in darkness.

    A sigh escaped her lips, and she enveloped herself with a single arm, the other gently cupping her cheek. Her thoughts drifted towards her friend, a subtle melancholy settling over her.

    I hope Haxks is doing okay, she thought to herself. It''s his first night out on the field assessment, and the nocturnal monsters are known to be more powerful and aggressive than those during the day.

    Little did she know, however, that her yearning was a stark contrast to the harsh reality unfolding beneath the surface¡ªand Professor Bayley and the Guildmaster were beginning to suspect as much.

    ***

    In the hushed confines of a dimly illuminated office, two figures were seated, their conversation carrying a weight that seemed to press against the walls around them. The air was heavy with contemplation, and the tension between them was tangible.

    "So, what''s your take on this?" inquired Professor Bayley, his gaze trailing Osten''s departure as the youth exited the office, the door closing with a muted thud behind him.

    Guildmaster Baldin, a stern figure with a graying beard, leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers beneath his chin in deliberation. His gaze remained fixed on the closed door, his mind racing, then he exhaled slowly.

    ¡°Well, at the very least, all of their stories are synonymous with each other,¡± he replied, his voice carrying the gravity of their situation. ¡°But I find it interesting that, among all the Locals, not one managed to make it back with The Fallen.¡±

    "Right," Professor Bayley nodded in agreement. "According to their report, Haxks'' impulsive decision led them all to fall into a dungeon. Osten and the others were the only ones who exercised caution and restraint."

    The Guildmaster¡¯s brow furrowed as he thought about the implications. ¡°It¡¯s obvious that Osten¡¯s feigning ignorance,¡± he mused. ¡°And he seemed more engrossed in his anger rather than putting more effort into his lie.¡±

    "Osten has shown nothing but hostility towards everyone around him," Professor Bayley admitted. "And he harbors a particular intense resentment towards Haxks, who has been protective of the Beastfolk."

    Baldin clenched his fingers, finally holding the other man¡¯s gaze. "Unfortunately, as the Guildmaster, I can''t afford to leave the guild myself," he explained with a hint of frustration. "Especially given the current state of affairs in the kingdom. Besides, I have to consider the possibility that my departure could be part of a plot orchestrated by an unknown enemy."

    ¡°But, Baldin¡ª¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t give preferential treatment to any one person or group,¡± he added sternly. ¡°That kid, Osten, is affiliated with a large faction. As a neutral organization, we can¡¯t risk stirring the hornet¡¯s nest without proof or reason.¡±

    ¡°Reason?¡± the professor¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.

    The Guildmaster steeled his heart before he responded, his expression reflecting a mix of determination and chagrin. "Adventurers perish regularly, so we mustn''t exaggerate this particular situation," he stated firmly. "We need to consider the well-being of all our members as a collective whole."

    The professor held his tongue, nodding in silent acknowledgment of the Guildmaster''s perspective.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, old friend¡­ but all we can do is believe in the children and pray that they will make it back in one piece.¡±

    Professor Bayley allowed a wan smile. ¡°I have a feeling that Haxks will find a way out and bring everyone home safely; he showed a lot of promise within all aspects of the assessment.¡±

    The Guildmaster turned in his chair to look out the window behind him. Under the veil of night, Wonderelle sparkled like a jeweled tapestry, its vibrant hues illuminated by a mesmerizing array of lights.

    ¡°I hope you¡¯re right,¡± he muttered, his gaze lost in the hues of the evening.

 CHAPTER 54: Subspace Treat

    An icy breath escaped the jaws of a quadrupedal monster with lupine characteristics. Its fangs, claws, tail, and fur were reinforced with shards of gleaming ice, giving it a chilling and fearsome appearance. The chamber was littered with these menacing beasts, their eyes unfathomably deep and cold as they prowled.

    [Arctic Dire Wolf | Lvl 25 | General]

    The imposing presence of these creatures sent a chill down Daisuke¡¯s spine. Deactivating the Eye of Verity, he slowly withdrew from the bend he had been peeking around. Moving stealthily, he scaled a wall, disappearing into a hidden cavern that led him back to the others in under five minutes.

    ¡°Arf!¡± Zephyr leaped into Daisuke¡¯s arms upon his return, his energy and vitality finally restored.

    ¡°Zephyr, you¡¯re finally awake!¡± Daisuke cheered in an undertone as he hugged the pup close. ¡°That Berserk skill really did a number on you, buddy; I thought you were never going to wake up.¡±

    Lyanna raised one eyebrow teasingly. "I''m surprised you weren''t knocked out cold too, after battling that thing."

    "I felt like it," Daisuke confessed with a wry smile. "But if I pass out in here, I might just wake up in heaven."

    ¡°Or hell,¡± Gavric added.

    "Hey!" Daisuke retorted with a playful jab of his finger. "We only accept positive vibes in this party, buddy."

    Elena couldn¡¯t help but giggle. ¡°I never thought you could be this talkative, Haxks.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s right, y¡¯know,¡± Rexar accused with a frown. ¡°You gave us nothing but the cold shoulder before the dungeon.¡±

    "Just thought I''d try to lighten the mood while we''re down here," Daisuke explained.

    "Well, it''s definitely appreciated," said Finnian.

    Milo nodded in agreement with a smile, but Rexar pouted.

    ¡°So,¡± Gavric urged, ¡°what did you find out?¡±

    The group¡¯s undivided attention was on Daisuke as he relayed the information. ¡°Dire Wolves. Lots of them. But we should be safe if we camp here for the night. Let''s all get plenty of rest and devise a game plan tomorrow. All in favor?"

    Everyone raised their hand. ¡°Aye~¡±

    Suddenly, Milo''s stomach growled loudly, and he awkwardly punched himself in the gut. "S-Sorry," he apologized, his cheeks flushing as he tousled his hair. "My body''s cannibalizing itself trying to replenish my mana."

    Elena placed a hand on her tummy dejectedly. ¡°Come to think of it, we haven¡¯t had anything to eat since breakfast.¡±

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Lyanna¡¯s expression crumpled. "Of all the weeks to start a diet, I had to choose this one."

    "I could eat an entire minitaur right now," murmured Rexar, his own stomach now growling in protest.

    Though Gavric and Finnian were equally famished, they remained stoically silent, refusing to voice any complaints. Daisuke, noticing their hunger, heaved a wan smile. With a flick of his arm, he summoned a pile of firewood from his inventory. They fell onto the ground with a clatter, and then he began neatly stacking them together into a heap, astonishing the group.

    ¡°Zephyr.¡±

    ¡°Ruff~¡±

    With evident restraint, the canine spat a tiny ball of fire onto the dried wood, swiftly engulfing them in flames. Next, Daisuke retrieved the sizeable heap of moss he had gathered.

    Rexar shifted his gaze to Finnian with a challenging frown, and the samurai raised his hands in surrender.

    ¡°I still don¡¯t think that makes him a ranker,¡± he defended flatly.

    Milo smiled at their playfulness.

    "Do you recall when I went to fetch my weapon?" Daisuke began to explain. "Upon revisiting the place where we fell into the dungeon, I noticed that the roots from the trees on the surface were protruding from the walls.

    Anticipating that we might be spending several nights down here, I took the liberty of preparing firewood. Additionally, I collected all the moss I could find on the walls; we can use it as bedding to sleep on."

    Gavric closed his mouth, his surprise evident as he spoke. "At this point, your resourcefulness doesn''t surprise me anymore," he acknowledged. "What truly has me stumped is your storage ability. Do you happen to possess a magic bag like Professor Bayley?"

    As Daisuke contemplated his response, he summoned a wooden pail he had received from Gretchen, its contents sloshing gently as he lifted it. Filled with cool, refreshing water, he topped up a mug and began passing it around to quench their thirst.

    ¡°What I have possesses the same subspace capabilities as a magic bag,¡± he informed, ¡°but it uses a different concept. Instead of a material object, this storage space is made possible entirely due to a skill.¡±

    ¡°¡­A skill?¡± Lyanna¡¯s eyebrow quirked in question. ¡°Oh. You mean magic?¡±

    Daisuke frowned inwardly. It looks like NPCs are not meant to fathom the world from the perspective of a player; what we see as skills, they perceive as a form of magic.

    ¡°Then I suppose it¡¯s just one of the many perks of being a Fallen,¡± Finnian assumed.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Daisuke confirmed¡ªthough, he wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about being referred to as a Fallen.

    Everyone waited in anticipation to see what else he would conjure from his seemingly endless bag of tricks. What had initially started as a demonstration of resourcefulness had now evolved into a captivating magic show.

    "After some experimentation," Daisuke continued, "I''ve discovered that anything I store inside this subspace is frozen in time, which means..."

    With a wave of his hand, he conjured a bed of large leaves, upon which he summoned loaves of bread, fruits, roasted Horned Rabbit, and fish. "...I can even maintain food at the same temperature it was placed in, and it never spoils."

    Between the groundbreaking revelation and the tantalizing smell of the food, everyone was left completely dumbstruck.

    ¡°Help yourselves,¡± offered Daisuke with a smile. ¡°I have enough rations to last us a few weeks, and we can always cut down a few monsters if we run out.¡±

    The party, their hunger overcoming them, began feasting like starving wolves.

    ¡°Under normal circumstances,¡± Daisuke added, ¡°I would offer a stew to warm your bellies, but I¡¯ve had a bad experience with food attracting monsters, which is why I gave you cold bread and meat.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s nom-nom-nom understandable,¡± spat Gavric with a mouthful of bread. ¡°The smell of hot food nom-nom-nom carries much farther.¡±

    ¡°Wow, this is delicious!¡± Elena gushed excitedly. ¡°Haxks nom-nom-nom¡­ did you make all this yourself?¡±

    Daisuke patted his head shyly. ¡°¡­Yeah.¡±

    Lyanna, with a twinkle in her eye, exclaimed, ¡°Oh my gosh! This is great! Haxks, by chance¡­ do you have a girlfriend? I could definitely get used to this.¡±

    Elena pouted in jealousy, prompting her to eat even faster for some inexplicable reason.

    "Ha-ha!" Gavric chuckled. "They do say the quickest way to a woman''s heart is through her stomach. I guess they were onto something."

    Laughter and camaraderie filled the chamber as the party enjoyed their unexpected feast in the midst of uncertainty and danger.

 CHAPTER 55: The Trioâ€™s Burden

    The night had deepened into a tranquil stillness, the glow of luminescent fungi casting a soft light upon the cavern. Each member of the party was reclined on their mossy beds, their hunger satisfied. Zephyr lay sprawled on his belly, wrestling with a large bone, his playful growls filling the quiet space.

    Gavric, lying on his back, used his shield as a makeshift pillow, his gaze fixated on the intricate patterns of the fungi above. Finnian, occupied with the meticulous cleaning of his sword, brought a sharp gleam to the blade. Lyanna popped a berry into her mouth, her eyes alight with amusement as Rexar effortlessly annihilated Milo at arm wrestling.

    As the warmth of the campfire dwindled, Daisuke, ever the vigilant host, replenished the flames with more wood from his inventory. Elena watched his every move, her mind laden with thoughts.

    ¡°Um¡­ everyone,¡± she spoke with a tinge of melancholy, her words pulling everyone¡¯s focus. ¡°I have a request¡­ just in case¡­ I don¡¯t make it tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Elena¡­¡±

    Rexar and Milo¡¯s expressions twisted in evident agony. Regrettably, no one could speak out about her pessimism; it was an irrefutable fact that their fates were blurred. They had found themselves ensnared in the perilous clutches of a situation with no guaranteed path to victory.

    Elena took a deep breath. Before she could delve further into her request, she felt it necessary to share their backstory, and her voice quivered slightly as she began painting a vivid picture of their home.

    ¡°Rexar, Milo, and I come from a small village deep within the heart of the Fleecia Forest,¡± she began, her words resonating with a bittersweet nostalgia. ¡°It¡¯s a poor village, and we¡¯re few in number, but we were happy,¡± she confessed with a glum smile, imagining it.

    ¡°Every evening, Mr. Rekton would make his rounds, sharing the day¡¯s catch of fish with each household. Mrs. Higgs, with her hair as silver as the moon, would eagerly offer to mend your torn clothes if she happened upon a snag. At dusk, we would all gather in the village square, sharing stories and songs around a bonfire.

    We¡¯re a warm community, where everyone knows their neighbors and lent a helping hand in times of need. It created a true sense of belonging. However, in recent months, we¡¯ve been under constant attack by demons.¡±

    The mention of the menacing creatures sent a shiver through the group, their expressions now burdened with shared unease.

    ¡°Despite our meager numbers and limited strength, we¡¯ve managed to fend them off each time, but¡­ not without bearing painful sacrifices,¡± she admitted, her voice cracking.

    Rexar placed a comforting hand on Elena¡¯s shoulder, and then began to speak in her place. ¡°Our village has always been self-sufficient, where every man, woman, and child learns the essential skills to sustain our way of life. Only a few among us possess the skills to wield swords or spears¡ªand while we do have a handful of skilled archers, their expertise lies in hunting game, not combatting monsters.

    If the demons keep invading, it¡¯s only a matter of time before we¡¯re all slaughtered. The village¡¯s chief considered hiring an adventurer, but as a secluded and self-sufficient village that never considered trading with the outside, we didn¡¯t have the coin necessary to pay the commission fee.¡±

    ¡°¡­That¡¯s why we became adventurers ourselves,¡± Milo chimed in with a rare show of confidence.

    Elena nodded. ¡°If we couldn¡¯t afford to hire strong help, we would become that help instead. In the worst-case scenario, if we couldn¡¯t get strong to defend against the demons, we could at least save up enough gold to hire someone who could.¡±

    As Daisuke absorbed their heartfelt accounts, he scrutinized the trio through the Eye of Verity, discerning the authenticity of their words. It was apparent that for them, becoming adventurers was not merely a pursuit of strength but also a means of safeguarding themselves against the horrors of slavery.

    Superior Races, demihumans, and noxsians¡ªthere was still much he didn¡¯t understand about the dynamics of the hierarchy. But he knew all too well that in this world, children, especially demihumans, were at a significantly higher risk of being abducted and subjected to a life of enslavement.

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    Among the complex pyramid of demihuman races, the Beastfolk found themselves at the absolute bottom of the food chain and were frequently treated as less than human.

    Their quest for the adventurer path was a desperate bid to escape this cruel fate. According to Elena, if adventurers¡ªirrespective of race¡ªwere forced into slavery, those responsible for such vile acts faced substantial fines and potential imprisonment if caught.

    Thalia had mentioned it as well, that adventurers were a necessary force to keep stability in the world. So they were thoroughly looked after by the guild, especially since it was a profession where demand consistently outstripped the supply.

    The method by which races were captured for slavery was dishearteningly efficient. Slave traders made use of costly magic devices to scan the blood of their victims, identifying if they were registered as adventurers in the Global Census Register.

    But the expense of such devices paled in comparison to the penalties incurred if caught and prosecuted by the guild. Whatever the case, the fundamental role of adventurers in ensuring a safer environment for traders and businesses was undeniable, so the traders did their due diligence to ensure they honored the system.

    Elena, Rexar, and Milo, however, were at risk of losing the safety net that being an adventurer provided. Because they were too weak to hunt, or even roam monster infested regions for foraging jobs, they weren¡¯t able to meet the quota of one quest per month as of yet.

    They were worried sick about getting their license revoked. What¡¯s worse, they now had to pass a field test, and they had performed miserably in the other assessments.

    ¡°Now that we¡¯re trapped in this dungeon,¡± Elena began, tears glistening in her eyes, ¡°I don¡¯t even know what to think anymore.¡±

    There was a heavy moment of silence.

    DING!

    [Escape the Dungeon Unscathed]

    [Quest Difficulty: B

    Elena, Rexar, and Mio, having made numerous sacrifices in their selfless mission to safeguard their beloved home, now find their noble aspirations held captive by the labyrinthine clutches of this dungeon.

    They yearn to see their dreams realized, and it¡¯s up to you to be the guiding light that leads them out of this dire predicament and towards the fulfillment of their goals.

    Clear Conditions: Escape the dungeon without any casualties.

    Rewards:

    ?? Affinity with Elena, Rexar, and Milo +30%

    ?? EXP +35,000

    ?? A favorable encounter

    Quest Failure:

    ?? The death of one or more party members

    ?? Any survivors will despite you forever

    ?? Loss of favorable encounter]

    That settles it, Daisuke pondered as he examined the quest details. Elena''s story is unfolding as a linked-quest. Until I fulfill all the quests in the series, I won''t unlock the final reward, which I suspect is the ¡®favorable encounter¡¯.

    Daisuke cupped his chin in deliberation. If the System deems this encounter as ¡®favorable¡¯, then I guess it should be worth the risk. Regardless, we¡¯ll all need to escape the dungeon one way or another. But there¡¯s only one way I can guarantee that everyone will survive.

    It was then that Daisuke, filled with wild determination, proposed a daring plan. ¡°I think we should challenge the Dungeon Boss and clear this dungeon.¡±

    Shock rippled across the faces of everyone as they pondered the unexpected proposal.

    ¡°Clearing this dungeon will provide a significant power boost for all of you,¡± Daisuke clarified. ¡°Defeating the Dungeon Boss will strengthen your foundations and make the upper floors more manageable.

    Lyanna, Finnian, Gavric¡­ I presume you¡¯re all in a similar situation right¡ªthere¡¯s a goal you¡¯re trying to achieve, which will be more feasible by becoming more powerful?¡±

    Everyone exchanged nervous glances as they took a moment to consider the idea, and Zephyr looked up from his marrow-rich bone, feeling the sudden rise in tension.

    In contrast to Osten, Daisuke was far from selfish, greedy, or discriminatory. He had repeatedly demonstrated his strength and reliability, leaving no doubt in their minds that he and Zephyr could escape together if they were on their own.

    Daisuke¡¯s bold proposal to challenge the Dungeon Boss clearly indicated his belief in their chances of victory, and he didn¡¯t strike them as someone who would willingly welcome unnecessary sacrifices.

    "I''ll do it," Milo declared, his unexpected display of confidence surprising everyone once more. "I''ve spent... most of my life in the shadows, observing people," he confessed, finally mustering the courage to meet Daisuke''s gaze. "And I''ve seen people like you¡ªcool, clever, distant. But it''s a defense mechanism; I understand that you''ve actually been through a painful and traumatic experience."

    Daisuke¡¯s expression hardened, and everyone noticed it.

    ¡°But you overcame it,¡± Milo continued, ¡°and I think that baptism is partly, if not solely the reason, that you¡¯ve become such a powerful and dependable person. I want to be just like you so that I can become stronger. So, yes, let¡¯s challenge the Dungeon Boss.¡±

    ¡°¡­I¡¯ve never heard him talk at length before,¡± murmured Gavric to Finnian who was also flabbergasted.

    ¡°I¡¯m game,¡± Lyanna announced as she raised her arm. ¡°We¡¯re already on the 11<sup>th</sup> floor; I think it would be a waste if we didn¡¯t at least gauge its strength.¡±

    Elena nodded her head with a smile, her eyes gleaming as she looked at Daisuke. ¡°I¡¯ll go too. You¡¯ve saved me three times already, so I¡¯ll trust in your judgment.¡±

    Finnian nodded in agreement.

    ¡°You have my shield,¡± Gavric pitched in, tapping on his makeshift pillow. ¡°As you said, defeating the Dungeon Boss could potentially make it that easier to clear the upper floors.¡±

    ¡°So?¡± Rexar urged in a sassy tone. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡±

 CHAPTER 56: Gear and Morale

    ¡°Before we get to that,¡± Daisuke began, the entirety of his gaze falling onto Elena.

    She blushed.

    [Name: Elena Hawthorne

    Race: Demihuman (Beastkin)

    Level: 15 | EXP: 24,880/35,156 (70.77%)

    Class: Mage

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild

    Title: None

    HP: 1320/1320 | MP: 445/445

    Strength: 15 | Stamina: 53 | Agility: 12 | Intelligence: 70

    Stat Points: 0]

    After using the Eye of Verity to assess her status, Daisuke cast a quick glance at Elena¡¯s attire. While his skill didn¡¯t allow him to analyze her clothing, it was clear that, much like his own garments, its sole purpose was to ensure she wasn¡¯t walking around in her birthday suit.

    ¡°Can I see your weapon for a sec?¡± Daisuke asked after noting that she wasn¡¯t wearing any accessories either.

    ¡°Um. Sure.¡±

    [Verdant Willowtwig]

    [Rank: Normal

    Type: Staff

    Melee Attack Power: 2 | Magical Attack Power: 28~35 | Durability: 28/39 | Accuracy: 24

    A twig that couldn¡¯t be further from the likeness of a staff. The Willowtwig facilitates the flow of mana for faster casting speed and stronger spells. Yet, even with these qualities, it remains an unimpressive substitute for a staff.

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 1+ | Strength 1+ | Stamina 1+]

    It looks like even though I don¡¯t own the weapon, once I¡¯m in contact with it the Eye of Verity will work. I need to remember that. Daisuke looked from the sorry excuse for a weapon to Elena. I don¡¯t need to see her clothes to know that they¡¯re no good.

    Daisuke followed up by asking her, ¡°What skills can you use, if you don¡¯t mind my asking?¡±

    Elena looked to Rexar nervously, as if for his opinion, and he nodded approvingly.

    "I possess five skills," she stated softly. "Fireball, Magic Missile, Force Field, Wind Cutter, and Poison Dart."

    "Mm. Well, you certainly have a decent assortment of skills," Daisuke responded thoughtfully. "However, it seems you possess an unusually high amount of stamina for a mage. As a result, your mana supply is insufficient, leading to fewer opportunities to use your skills. This also has an adverse effect on your magical attack and defense ratio."

    Elena¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°W-Wait¡­ how did you¡ª?¡±

    Everyone looked just as alarmed.

    ¡°Here, give me your hand,¡± requested Daisuke, cutting her off before she could pry.

    Elena hesitantly extended her arm, and Daisuke gently slipped a ring onto her finger.

    [Sapphire Ring]

    [Rating: Rare

    Durability: 4/4 | Magical Defense: +3.2% | Magical & Physical Balance: +3.7%

    A ring adorned with a flawless sapphire, said to be a treasure of an ancient underwater civilization.

    ?? Int +6

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 13+]

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    With the exception of body armor, excluding the headgear, it was possible for a player to conceal the physical appearance of accessories. Daisuke made use of this option for the ones he currently had equipped. Regrettably, NPCs did not share the same privilege.

    DOKI-DOKI-DOKI!

    Elena¡¯s chest rose and fell, hot breaths escaping her lips as she studied the ring upon her engagement finger. A fierce blush stained her cheeks at the thought that Daisuke had just proposed to her.

    ¡°Is this¡­ a pro-pro-proposal?¡± she squeaked, her eyes growing wide with pleasure as she cupped her face.

    Rexar lightly karate-chopped her atop the head. ¡°Did some of your brain cells burn too?¡± he asked wearily.

    Daisuke smiled awkwardly before offering the final gift. ¡°These should help to increase your mana.¡±

    [Starcaster +2]

    [Rank: Normal

    Type: Staff

    Melee Attack Power: 8 | Magical Attack Power: 101~125 | Durability: 18/52 | Accuracy: 48

    A relic akin to a shooting star, the Starcaster possesses a subtle charm that belies its true potential. It was crafted in the heart of Mount Delitarious, where its enchantments were woven by the whispers of the ancient star people.

    ?? Each successful Physical Attack increases max mana and Accuracy by 10% for 5 minutes. Likewise, each successful Magical Attack increases Physical Attack by 10%. It stacks 5 times and the effect is lost if damage is sustained.

    ?? Int +7

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 13+ | Strength 5+ | Stamina 11+]

    ¡°I-I can¡¯t accept this,¡± Elena refused, shaking her head frantically like a frightened child. ¡°I mean, this staff looks like it cost hundreds of gold; it would be a complete waste on me.¡±

    Rexar and Milo looked on nervously, as if they were being offered illegal narcotics from a drug dealer.

    ¡°Elena, look at me.¡±

    She held Daisuke¡¯s unblinking gaze.

    ¡°Now look at everyone else.¡±

    Elena scanned the faces of her party.

    "The items I''m entrusting to you will greatly enhance your ability to protect all of us, including your family," Daisuke explained earnestly. "And, as far as I''m concerned, this staff isn''t worth even a fraction of our lives."

    ¡°By extension,¡± Gavric chimed in, ¡°you are more than worthy to be in possession of these items.¡±

    The group nodded, wearing warm smiles.

    Elena finally smiled, accepting the gift. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Rexar.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± he responded, immediately standing at attention and saluting like a cadet.

    Daisuke looked him over appraisingly. ¡°You possess the Stats and combat skills to overpower your enemies, but as a martial artist, you lack a proper weapon. I think these will be of great help without compromising your combat preferences.¡±

    [Obsidian Bangle]

    [Rating: Rare

    Durability: 4/5 | Magical Defense: +3.9% | Magical & Physical Balance: +4.5%

    A bangle hewn from the heart of a shadowy abyss, it conceals the secrets of the darkness.

    ?? Strength +8

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+]

    [Ironclad Gauntlets +3]

    [Rank: Rare

    Type: Gauntlet

    Melee Attack Power: 59~67 | Durability: 18/62 | Attack Speed: +5%

    Forged in the heart of the fiery Foundry Peaks, the Ironclad Gauntlets are a symbol of raw power and unyielding strength. These gauntlets, rugged and imposing, are designed for warriors who seek to crush their foes with sheer force.

    ?? Whenever you are within a 20-meter radius of at least 2 opponents, your Melee Attack increases by 10%, and your Defense by 6%. However, when there are fewer than 2, your Melee Attack experiences a 20% boost.

    ?? Strength +8

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+ | Strength 22+ | Stamina 29+]

    Rexar tried on his new equipment and gave a few swift jabs. ¡°These are amazing, thank you! I can already feel new power welling up inside of me!¡±

    ¡°Milo,¡± Daisuke now called the only human of the three. ¡°Come closer.¡±

    As soon as he was within reach, which took a while due to his hesitant approach, Daisuke swiftly flicked his forehead without an ounce of regret.

    "Ouch!" Milo cried out tearfully, immediately placing his hand over the now steaming area. "Wh-What was that for?"

    Daisuke looked him over with a shake of his head. ¡°Much like these three,¡± he gestured to Lyanna, Gavric, and Finnian. ¡°You have everything that you need at the moment to shine. But there¡¯s only one thing missing from your arsenal¡ªa backbone.¡±

    Daisuke allowed that to sink in for a moment, and Milo lowered his head, feeling chagrined.

    Daisuke offered his support, placing a reassuring hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with feeling fear,¡± he said empathetically while applying a gentle squeeze.

    Milo slowly raised his head.

    "It''s a natural instinct that keeps us on our toes. Remaining cautious and alert increases our chances of survival, and for a healer, a sense of self-preservation is crucial.

    However, cowardice is a choice. If you shy away from danger and your friends perish, you''re likely to follow suit. If survival is your goal, then you must fortify your resolve and fulfill your duty as a healer. Keep them alive."

    Milo tightened his grip on his staff, his eyes burning with renewed confidence and vigor. ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll do my best!¡± he declared with a determined nod.

    Lyanna pouted. ¡°I wanted to be on the receiving end too,¡± she mumbled, sounding a bit disappointed.

    Daisuke turned to face her with a smile. ¡°Well, they¡¯re not equipment or accessories,¡± he began, ¡°but I do have some items to share with you guys.¡±

    ¡°Oh no,¡± Lyanna waved her hands dismissively. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t mean that seriously. I was just¡ª¡±

    ¡°These items will be an important part of our plan tomorrow,¡± Daisuke informed as he handed a few Frost Prisms and Flarial Seeds over to them. ¡°As for tomorrow¡¯s strategy¡­¡±

    [Frost Prism]

    [Damage: 70

    Deals fixed Ice Damage to a target upon impact. There is a 50% chance of freezing the target for 60 seconds, and a 25% chance of inflicting the ?Frostbite? Status.]

    [Flarial Seed]

    [Damage: 90

    Deals fixed Fire Damage to the target upon impact. The fire will spread and engulf nearby targets, and there is an 82% chance of inflicting the ?Burn? Status.]

    After discussing the battle plan and various team formations to handle different combat scenarios, the party resorted to a simple game of rock-paper-scissors to decide who would take the first watch.

    Gavric peered down at his trembling fist with a somewhat pale expression. ¡°I lost¡­?¡±

    Lyanna gave a smog smile as she walked away from her grieving opponent. ¡°Leave it to a tank to be fixated on strength,¡± she teased playfully. ¡°So predictable.¡±

    "You better not doze off," Rexar warned. "I''d rather not become monster food while we''re sleeping."

    Gavric sank slowly and comically to the ground, emaciated by depression, and everyone laughed in chorus.

 CHAPTER 57: Out of The Frying Pan into The Fire

    Even within the same tier of monsters, a clear hierarchy existed, and one particular Arctic Dire Wolf had invested considerable time and effort to ascend that ladder.

    After spending the better part of a several months relentlessly intimidating its peers and trampling those who lashed out, crushing their spirit, the beast had finally claimed the crown.

    With its dominance well established, the wolf now faced the task of maintaining its status and keeping up appearances. It was a psychological game, and the creature had become a master at it.

    The pack wisely lowered their heads as the alpha male strutted by them. Suddenly, the mighty leader halted in its tracks. Initially, an unbearable stench filled the air, and then the excruciating pain set in before it realized that its tail was ablaze.

    A series of pained howls echoed through the cavern as the beast desperately dragged its rear along the hard floor, extinguishing the flames without a trace of dignity. Then, like a magazine cartridge being slammed into a gun, the alpha¡¯s head snapped around toward the source of its torment and humiliation.

    Zephyr, with an air of mockery, turned his back, curled his tail like a husky, and brazenly presented his butthole. He silently craned his head around, sticking out a small pink tongue in an evident taunt.

    While Dire Wolves struggled to convey facial expressions beyond fury, it was clear the entire pack was on the verge of bursting into a fit of cackling, like a pack of hyenas.

    But a thunderous roar from the alpha brought them all to attention, their jaws gaping to reveal saliva-coated teeth, their eyes now locked onto their target. A pair of deadly jaws lunged at Zephyr, but he managed to evade the attack and bolted. The pack relentlessly pursued the pup, following him into a narrow corridor.

    Squeezing into the confined space like sardines, the Dire Wolves trampled over each other, chasing the defiant canine until he vanished into a hole too small for their bulky bodies.

    It wasn''t until the alpha caught a whiff of a peculiar scent wafting from their previous path did it realize something was amiss. However, by then it was too late; the pack found themselves ensnared in a bottleneck, and a crimson sphere, no larger than a marble, fell and rolled to rest at their feet. Its glossy surface cracked ominously, and then¡ª

    BOOOOOOM!

    A powerful blast, akin to the fiery breath of Cerberus, engulfed the pack in a searing shockwave that utterly incinerated fur, hide, and bone.

    Amidst the unfolding chaos, in a secluded and dimly lit chamber elsewhere, a pair of colossal eyes gradually creaked open. A sinister growl resonated, its ominous echoes blending seamlessly with the encroaching shadows.

    The Arctic Dire Wolves that were mostly outside of the blast radius instinctively retreated. Despite being engulfed in flames¡ªa force diametrically opposed to their elemental affinity¡ªthe surviving wolves, driven by a frenzied determination, defiantly charged at their adversaries. They refused to succumb without putting up a valiant fight.

    ¡°Warriors¡¯ Battle Cry!¡±

    Adhering to Daisuke¡¯s recommended formation, Gavric raised his shield and invoked his Provocation skill, bolstering his defense for two minutes.

    While the beasts grappled with his formidable defense, Rexar¡ªnow a force to be reckoned with¡ªswiftly slew them with his steely fists.

    ¡°Oriyaaa!¡± he roared, nailing one of the bastards in the ribs as it menacingly hurled itself at him, razor sharp fangs and saliva narrowly missing his cheek.

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    Gavric, akin to an unyielding fortress, raised his mighty shield to thwart an attack aimed at his jugular. He then thrusted his one-handed sword forward, impaling the miserable fiend.

    In the rearguard, Lyanna, the sub-damage dealer, loosened her arrows, her aim strong and true. With a cool demeanor, she skillfully targeted the eyes and the vulnerable underbelly not shielded by ice shards.

    Elena, the main damage dealer, raised her staff as an incantation rolled off her tongue with poetic grace. The wolves already aflame howled as they were consumed by even fiercer flames.

    Milo stood amongst the damage dealers, giving heals and buffs as needed. Safeguarding the trio from the rear was Finnian, his blade ringing as he cleaved through his enemies like tofu.

    SHINNG!

    His weapon drew a white trajectory that severed a wolf¡¯s head from its body. As the lifeless corpse fell to the ground, decapitated, Finnian raised his sword and brought it down in a sharp arc, flicking the crimson stain from the gleaming blade.

    Simultaneously, Daisuke and Zephyr played a versatile role¡ªkeeping a vigilant watch on the battlefield, dispatching monsters and providing aid as required. With this coordinated team formation, they efficiently eliminated the remaining Arctic Dire Wolves.

    ¡°Is everyone alright?¡± asked Daisuke.

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    ¡°Kiyuu~

    ¡°Too easy.¡±

    ¡°Recycling my arrows is a pain, but I¡¯m okay otherwise.¡±

    Elena, Zephyr, Rexar, and Lyanna responded with enthusiasm and vigor, their spirits undeterred. Meanwhile, Gavric and Finnian simply gave a thumbs up in affirmation.

    For a moment, silence fell, but a palpable wave of bloodlust suddenly arrested the atmosphere, almost deafening in its intensity. Then, a pair of malevolent eyes, glinting like frozen sapphires, pierced through the inky darkness like twin lanterns.

    PLOP-PLOP-PLOP!

    The steady footfalls echoed throughout the cavern, sending shivers down everyone¡¯s spine. As the eyes slowly emerged into the light, a monstrous beast was revealed, one that rivaled the previous Floor Guardian in its sheer, imposing presence.

    Much like the Arctic Dire Wolves, the creature¡¯s body bore accents of protective ice, and the ice formation around its neck resembled the majestic mane of a lion. With each step, a bone-chilling aura followed, transforming the surroundings into a frigid wasteland.

    DING!

    [The Floor Guardian is infuriated by the death of its kin.]

    [Glacial Dire Wolf | Lvl 26 | Floor Guardian]

    RAWRRRRRR!

    An ear-splitting roar tore through the silence, jolting the stone walls and sending chilling gusts through the chamber, leaving everyone quaking in fear and shivering from the cold. Icicle-laden rock formations dislodged from the ceiling, plummeting like menacing death traps.

    Suddenly, out of nowhere, in a jaw-dropping turn of events, a blinding bolt of lightning surged from the cave¡¯s dark ceiling, striking the beast like a powerful tractor beam. The resulting thunderclap reverberated even more loudly than the creature¡¯s prior roar.

    The Glacial Dire Wolf convulsed, its once powerful and icy form now steaming and charred. It collapsed lifelessly, a smoldering husk. Emerging from the shadows, a larger, more imposing beast approached with deliberate strides. It clamped its massive jaws around the neck of the motionless Floor Guardian, dragging and flailing the lifeless body as though it were a mere rag doll, until it hung limp.

    Time seemed to slow as the shards of ice that once encompassed the guardian¡¯s mane broke free, falling to the ground like panes of glass. The party¡¯s mortified expressions were reflected in the fragments.

    Elena blanched, her eyes quivering with dread, while Gavric and Rexar took a step back, their faces slick with sweat. The blood drained from Milo and Lyanna¡¯s faces, and the sword in Finnian¡¯s hand loosened, his shoulders slumping.

    Gradually, the fiend turned its malevolent gaze toward the humans, blood dripping from its maw. A shiver coursed through the onlookers as they confronted the formidable force that had just effortlessly dispatched the guardian.

    DING!

    [The Dungeon Boss awakens, seeking retribution against those who have disrupted its peaceful slumber.]

    [Volturax | Lvl 30 | Dungeon Boss]

    A thunderous roar, making the Floor Guardian¡¯s pale in comparison, resounded through the cavern. The creature¡¯s appearance was a grotesque sight. Its body was adorned with an array of jagged spikes¡ªa nightmarish fusion of bone and exoskeleton, forming a frightening carapace-like exterior.

    Lime-blue electricity crackled and danced across its frame, resembling venomous serpents. The eerie, flickering radiance cast an unsettling glow, emphasizing the lupine characteristics of the monstrous beast. It appeared prehistoric, evoking memories of creatures from the ancient Cretaceous Period.

    ¡°Formation E!¡± Daisuke bellowed urgently, the booming sound of his voice jostling the party, wrenching them from the icy grip of fear.

 CHAPTER 58: The Impenetrable Fortress

    ¡°OWOOOO!¡±

    With Zephyr drawing the creature¡¯s attention using his Antagonize skill, Gavric and Rexar swiftly repositioned themselves to protect the rearguard.

    Elena, in turn, wisely ceased her attacks; mages possessed formidable attack power, making them prone to inadvertently pulling the aggro of monsters. And they couldn¡¯t afford such risks until they discerned the Dungeon Boss¡¯s weaknesses and combat mechanics.

    BOOOOOM!

    The Volturax brought its claws down like multiple guillotines stitched together, gorging out a section of the wall as it targeted the elusive Zephyr, who darted around like an infuriating fly.

    Simultaneously, Daisuke and Finnian launched their offensive, while Milo provided crucial buffs from a safe distance.

    Daisuke took a deep breath, his expression unwavering as he and Finnian closed in on the fiend¡¯s hind legs. It¡¯s alright, he reassured himself, his expression controlled. I have pretty decent buffs from my titles.

    [Pathfinder]

    [Rank: Epic

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Given to those who have glimpsed the elusive Hidden Dungeon. The initial rank is established by your level of involvement in discovering, entering, clearing, or failing the dungeon.

    Title Effect:

    ?? Increases attack power against dungeon-based monsters by 15%. The percentage scales with the Title¡¯s Rank.]

    [Master of Divine Beast]

    [Rank: Legendary

    Earning the affection and unwavering loyalty of a Divine Beast transcends the abilities of even the most skilled beast tamers. In reverence to the bond woven through trials and tribulations, Zephyr pledges to safeguard his master with every essence of his being, a vow sealed in blood and tears for eternity.

    Title Effect:

    ?? All Stats will increase by 12% while hunting with Zephyr.

    ?? If your health falls below 25%, Zephyr will rush to your side. In that moment, his Strength, Defense, and Agility will increase by 40% for 60 seconds.]

    And I recently leveled up.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 20 | EXP: 33,688/62,500 (53.90%)

    Class: None

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter

    HP: 2669/2669 | MP: 313/313

    Strength: 62 (+28) | Stamina: 96 (+25) | Agility: 105 (+48) | Intelligence: 26 (+8) | Dexterity: 16 (+41) | Composure: 7 (+1) | Indomitable: 5 (+1)

    Stat Points: 0]

    CLANGGGG!

    And I¡¯m not alone, he asserted as both his and Finnian¡¯s weapons struck the creature¡¯s hind legs. However, they couldn¡¯t make a dent in its hard hide, let alone sever its tendons.

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    And the Volturax didn¡¯t even spare them a sidelong glance, but Daisuke refused to despair. Seizing an opportunity, he thrust the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang between the creature¡¯s paws. But, unlike the Inferno Wolf, there was no soft, vulnerable skin for the weapon to pierce, and his expression contorted into shock.

    In the next instant, the Volturax¡¯s spiked tail lashed out like a colossal mace. Daisuke leaped in front of Finnian just in the nick of time, crossing his weapons in a defensive stance. His eyes widened as the appendage collided with a transparent, hexagon-shaped barrier forged from mana.

    DING!

    [The active skill ?Impeccable Parry? has been acquired.]

    [Impeccable Parry]

    [Rank: Epic

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    In the hands of a true weapons master, the enemy¡¯s attacks become a canvas waiting to be shaped.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? While wielding a weapon, you have the ability to parry an enemy¡¯s physical attack if performed at the right instant.

    ?? In the rare instance that damage is received, it first depletes your stamina and mana. Only when both resources are exhausted will your HP be affected.

    Mana Cost: None

    Skill Duration: 1 Second

    Skill Cooldown: 30 Seconds]

    Daisuke felt a surge of excitement that he had learned a new skill, but that fleeting dopamine rush was short-lived. A profound sense of dread gnawed at the pit of his stomach as he began to lift off the ground.

    Even though he managed to parry the attack, the force launched both him and Finnian across the room like projectiles fired from a ballista. They collided with the cavern wall, and time seemed to stretch out in that frozen moment. The Volturax followed up with a swift, deadly bolt of lightning.

    Daisuke reacted, demonstrating what the 105 Stat points in Agility were capable of. Despite being wedged into the wall some 12 feet above the ground, he grabbed Finnian, found his footing in the crater they had made, and forcefully pushed off the wall.

    The Volturax roared in outrage, its spiritual pressure saturating the chamber like a thick miasma. The beast¡¯s eyes locked onto the tenacious duo who had escaped its divine judgment, determined to prove that lightning could indeed strike twice.

    Like a flamethrower, Zephyr unleashed a fiery curtain into the creature¡¯s face in a desperate attempt to capture its attention and safeguard his comrades.

    ¡°Haxks!¡± Elena cried out in alarm when Daisuke and Finnian crashed into the ground.

    Gavric and Milo swiftly followed Elena as she rushed to their side. ¡°I-I¡¯ll heal you right away!¡± Milo exclaimed as he dropped to his knees beside Finnian.

    Daisuke clutched his arm, coughing up a mouthful of blood. ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± he urged, his voice strained. ¡°I have a feeling that thing¡­ will attack the moment it senses any form of magic, especially healing magic.¡±

    Taking that warning to heart, Finnian sought an alternative solution. He reached for a potion, and Daisuke did the same.

    ¡°Try to¡­ keep a low profile until we find a weakness,¡± Daisuke panted, his chest heaving.

    ¡°I-I have a stealth skill that hides my presence for 5 minutes,¡± Milo informed nervously. ¡°It also applies to anyone I¡¯m in contact with.¡±

    ¡°Good. In that case¡­ you, Lyanna, and Elena should conceal yourselves. Gavric, come with me,¡± Daisuke directed, taking a breath. ¡°Milo¡­ only use heals if it¡¯s absolutely necessary. Lyanna, I¡¯m sorry to say, but it doesn¡¯t seem like your arrows will penetrate that thing¡¯s hide. Elena, we¡¯ll try to create an opening for you to use Poison Dart. Let¡¯s go!¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± Everyone nodded in agreement.

    Zephyr¡¯s tiny legs blurred as he sprinted, desperately trying to outrun the pursuing beast. His breaths came faster and faster. The air in his lungs burned like bile, and his mana reserves were quickly dwindling.

    Lime-blue electricity crackled around the Volturax¡¯s legs as it activated a skill. A sudden burst of speed had it closing the gap between predator and prey in an instant. Zephyr¡¯s eyes widened as a dark shadow slowly enveloped his body, the creature¡¯s gaping maw drawing nearer.

    RATTLE-RATTLE-CHENGG!

    Just as the pup was about to be swallowed whole, several golden mana chains ensnared the Volturax, halting the flailing beast in its tracks.

    Despite being inches away from two rows of menacing, razor-sharp teeth, Zephyr spun around, raised his tail, and cheekily presented his rear end.

    ¡°Zephyr!¡± Daisuke shouted urgently. ¡°Run!¡±

    Heeding the command, the canine dashed away, his small form dwarfed by the colossal monster above.

    Daisuke grunted as he sprinted after them. Dammit! I¡¯ve already lost over two-thirds of my mana just by holding it for 2 seconds.

    But his concern of over-depleting the remainder of his mana was overshadowed by the Volturax¡¯s fury at Zephyr¡¯s provocation. The beast broke free of the chains and spun around like a raging bull, launching itself in a furious charge.

    In an echo of their earlier exchange on the 5<sup>th</sup> floor, Daisuke tossed a vial of small MP potion to Zephyr as they passed each other. The pup deftly caught it in his jaws. ¡°Take it to Elena; she¡¯ll help you open it.¡±

    [Small MP Recovery Potion]

    [A potion brewed by combining Lunarfrost Lily and Etherberries. Its restorative potency varies depending on the concentration grade.

    Item Effect: Replenishes 450 mana

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    Now, Daisuke locked eyes with the Volturax challengingly. Neither of them stopped or even slowed down. Just before Daisuke would have been devoured, he dropped low and slid beneath the monster, his blades slicing a long line along the underbelly. However, instead of cutting through flesh, his weapons generated sparks, as if he were trying to cut through steel.

    The Volturax¡¯s eyes narrowed in calculation. Its tail descended like an axe, aiming to split Daisuke in half. But he quickly wrapped a magic chain around the monster¡¯s hind leg, pulling himself in to deliver a powerful kick.

    The Volturax stumbled but quickly regained its composure.

    ¡°Now!¡± Daisuke barked.

    Time slowed.

    The Volturax turned its massive head, only to meet the gleam of a long sword. The weapon was poised to plunge into its eye.

 CHAPTER 59: Final Gambit

    The Volturax turned its massive head, only to meet the gleam of a long sword. The weapon was poised to plunge into its eye, only to be met with a third eyelid¡ªa membrane that was as strong as metal causing the blade to utterly fail to pierce it.

    The Volturax reared its head, sending Finnian flying off its snout. His trajectory led him toward a spiked tail poised to skewer and pummel him, but a golden chain coiled around his arm, swiftly pulling the samurai out of harm¡¯s way.

    Daisuke shoved an Etherberry into his mouth. Then a cleverly placed Frost Prism¡ªan item that inflicts ice damage¡ªdetonated to form a large pillar of ice underneath the Volturax, flipping it onto its back.

    Moving quickly while the beast was disoriented, Daisuke shifted to close quarter combat. The creature¡¯s tail was so flexible that he assumed the base had to be vulnerable to accommodate its dexterity.

    His theory proved accurate as both his daggers sunk into the underside of the hide. Then, like a man gone mad, Daisuke began stabbing and slashing frantically until he inflicted the Bleed Status.

    ¡°Aura Blade!¡±

    ¡°Justice Sword!¡±

    Both Finnian and Gavric attacked with a vengeance.

    Finnian¡¯s long sword, enveloped in energy, sliced into the tail with a series of swift slashes, while Gavric spawned a large claymore made of mana overhead, which descended like a falling star.

    Elena, just before missing the window of opportunity, hastened her spell¡¯s chant and fired a fireball that hit its mark with a satisfying explosion.

    The party cautiously retreated as the beast righted itself, its golden eyes wide with rage. A deep roar dispersed the smoke from the explosion, and in its wake, a diverse pack of wolves were summoned from each of the dungeon¡¯s twelve floors.

    Daisuke cast Finnian a silent command, who immediately deployed a smokescreen to shroud the area. In the same beat, Zephyr used Extreme Speed and Divine Armament. Together with Daisuke and Finnian, they quickly went about exterminating the newly arrived foes.

    Zephyr utilized his keen sense of smell to navigate the battlefield, while Daisuke used the Eye of Verity and Finnian relied on a skill that detected spiritual energy.

    Before the Volturax could use its olfactory senses to follow suit, it detected magic in the distance and instinctively started barreling toward the source.

    As the beast approached, it spotted the silhouette of a mage through the dense smoke and smelled a female¡¯s presence. But upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a hat and robe affixed to an old spear. Behind it, an illumination skill cast a convincing shadow.

    This mistake came with dire consequences.

    ¡°Aiyaa!¡± Milo cried out as he clumsily plunged Gavric¡¯s sword into the base of the monster¡¯s tail. The moment the beast let out a pained roar, the weapon¡¯s owner emerged from the concealing smoke and wedged his shield into the creature¡¯s gaping maw to keep it open.

    ¡°Poison Dart!¡±

    In the same beat, Elena appeared and launched the deadly toxin into the creature¡¯s mouth. They quickly retreated as the Volturax entered a blind rage while frothing purple liquid from the mouth. It roared and slammed its head into the cavern wall as the poison and bleed effects took their toll.

    Daisuke arrived on the scene just in time to witness the creature¡¯s change in temperament. It was well-known that some Boss Monsters became berserk when their health dropped below 50%. Like Zephyr, they received a boost in speed and Attack Power.

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    ¡°Like this thing wasn¡¯t strong enough already,¡± he muttered as he popped another Etherberry into his mouth. ¡°Everyone, be on guard!¡± he shouted urgently. ¡°This fight is about to get a hell of a lot harder!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s words were prophetic, but the Volturax was about to demonstrate that his warning was futile. Electricity, which had previously only rippled or discharged from the creature¡¯s body upon attacking, became a constant phenomenon. And its once-golden eyes were now a fiery red.

    RAWRRRRRR!

    Another deafening roar reverberated through the chamber.

    DING!

    [The Volturax¡¯s skill ?Predator¡¯s Dominion? has induced the fear status.]

    DING!

    [You were subjected to a mental attack. ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing has countered the threat and preserved the sanctity of your mental state.]

    Daisuke¡¯s heart sank, and a sense of dread twisted his stomach. The System Notification brought only partially good news. His expression crumpled when he turned to look at the party, noting the petrified and defeated expressions etched on their faces.

    Elena slowly slumped to the floor, her body trembling uncontrollably. Milo had passed out, and Gavric clung to his sword and shield, his mouth agape in trepidation. Lyanna struggled to catch her breath, while Zephyr remained unaffected, likely thanks to his secret passive skill. Finnian wrestled to maintain his composure with his warrior¡¯s spirit.

    But the Volturax couldn¡¯t wait; it wouldn¡¯t¡ªnot while its blood boiled like liquid magma in its veins. Every fiber of its being thirsted for retribution, and the destructive electricity discharging from its massive frame reflected its immeasurable fury.

    Defying the laws of gravity, the beast raced along the side of the wall in a mindless rage. It coiled into a ball and hurtled toward Daisuke like a giant, spiked bowling ball. Rocks and debris exploded as electricity rippled outward.

    Time seemed to slow, and despair hung in the air like a dark shroud. Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened as the meteorite-like sphere descended upon him, and he couldn¡¯t help but wonder, After everything I¡¯ve been through, is this the end?

    DING!

    [The Composure Stat has increased by 7 points.]

    Summoning every ounce of his self-control, Daisuke¡¯s expression shifted, his eyes narrowing in calculation as he crafted a plan. He couldn¡¯t afford to lose his cool; not when there were so many lives riding on the decision he would make in the next few microseconds.

    In an instant, a faint memory surfaced amidst the sea of thoughts flooding his mind, serving as a guiding light. From there, he took a daring gamble.

    ¡°Zephyr!¡± he called out with a commanding tone.

    Simultaneously, Daisuke¡¯s body dipped low, his daggers held in a reverse grip, his eyes gleaming with the intensity of a predator. Then, in the blink of an eye, he vanished, reappearing elsewhere, coating his blades with the residual poison left over from Elena¡¯s prior Poison Dart spell.

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    Zephyr, blessed with extraordinary speed and fortified defenses from his Extreme Speed, Berserk, and Divine Armament skills, crashed into the side of the rolling Volturax like a battering ram.

    The impact sent the beast slamming into the cavern wall and falling onto its back, averting a potential disaster that would have flattened the party. Zephyr¡¯s impact also triggered the Paralysis and Blindness debuffs on the creature, effectively immobilizing it.

    Then, like a demon from hell, Daisuke descended upon the beast. His speed was beyond anything the party had witnessed before, his movements were blurred, his arms moving like bullets. His daggers found their way into the Volturax¡¯s eye before its third eyelid could close.

    The creature¡¯s agonized roar only made it more vulnerable to further trauma. Daisuke was there in an instant, relentlessly attacking its tongue in a series of stabs and slashes. Then Zephyr took over, unleashing a deadly torrent of flames down the creature¡¯s throat.

    Daisuke felt no pity or remorse, no hesitation or pause. Fear and the instinct for survival had forged him into a cold-hearted killer. He targeted the Volturax¡¯s sole weakness¡ªthe base of its tail¡ªand unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks.

    Even as his muscles and bones screamed in pain, begging for respite, Daisuke didn¡¯t stop. He knew Haste only lasted for 30 seconds, and his weapons and equipment were subpar. Zephyr would also succumb to exhaustion and collapse when his Berserk skill ended.

    To ensure their survival, he had to maintain both the Poison and Bleed Status and extinguish the monster¡¯s health completely. The Volturax couldn¡¯t be allowed to rise again.

    ¡°AGHHHHHHHHHH!¡±

    Daisuke roared at the top of his lungs, pouring every ounce of energy into his arms. Warm blood sprayed from the creature''s tail as it was severed, and Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in alarm as the paralysis wore off and the beast''s legs began to twitch.

    In a final, desperate gambit, he hurled a pair of Flarial Seeds and a Frost Prism into the creature''s gaping maw. Without a moment to spare, he scooped up Zephyr and bolted, his heart pounding with adrenaline. A fierce explosion erupted as the opposing elements collided, sending the entire party hurtling helplessly through the air.

    DING!

    [Congratulations! You have slain the Dungeon Boss ?Volturax?!]

 CHAPTER 60: Bittersweet Catalyst

    The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm and inviting glow upon the town of Wonderelle. The cathedral¡¯s bell resonated through the cobblestone streets, indicating the arrival of noon. A few plumehearts, akin to pigeons, had gathered by the door of a quaint bakery, pecking at scattered bread scraps, their coos harmonizing with the distant chime.

    The heart of Wonderelle buzzed with life, its streets teeming with colorful stalls, merchants of all kinds, and the aroma of various foods wafted through the air. Vendors called out to passersby, enticing them with their wares¡ªjewelers displayed glistening trinkets, fruit sellers arranged their vibrant produce in tantalizing pyramids, and the blacksmith¡¯s rhythmic clang echoed as he crafted weapons and armor.

    Laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air, and children¡¯s playful giggles echoed in the alleyways. The town was indeed a place of vibrancy, a haven of lives interwoven in harmony.

    Yet, tucked away in the shadows of a back alley, a stark contrast to the lively streets, there was the growling of a hungry stomach, the sound echoing like an unanswered plea.

    Reeza, draped in a tattered hooded cloak, stood in solitude, her figure blending seamlessly with the alley¡¯s obscurity. She clutched a stale loaf of bread, its hardness a testament to the passage of time and scarcity of sustenance. Her once bright and rebellious eyes now held a weariness that came from a life of hardship and want.

    As she leaned against the cold stone wall, her lifeless gaze fell upon the meager bread in her hand. In the midst of this bustling town, Reeza¡¯s plight stood as a stark reminder of the harsh realities that persisted just beyond the cheerful fa?ade.

    She closed her eyes for a moment, and in that brief moment, she was transported back to a distant memory¡ªa time when bread was warm and fresh, and her heart was unburdened by the weight of the world.

    In a serene valley nestled between gentle hills, a quaint village lay bathed in sunlight. The rolling green plains danced in the cool breeze descending from the snow-capped mountain peaks. Farmers toiled diligently under the sun''s unwavering gaze, finding solace in the refreshing wind that brushed across the fields.

    Beneath the expansive canopy of towering trees, the laughter of children echoed as they frolicked and played with handcrafted wooden toys.

    Reeza, a mere five-year-old, lay sprawled on her stomach amidst the tall grass, mesmerized by the miniature rainbow cast by the spinning waterwheel. Suddenly, she sensed a delicate weight settling atop her head.

    The mastermind, just as young as Reeza, stepped back, framing her friend with her fingers. "Perfect!" she exclaimed with infectious enthusiasm. "It looks really good on you."

    Reeza reached up, her eyes widening in delight as she realized the gift bestowed upon her: a tiara intricately woven from delicate flowers and blades of grass. "Oh my gosh! This is so pretty! I love it, Hatice! Thank you!"

    Hatice beamed with pride, heaving a triumphant hum. "I can teach you how to make one if you''d like," she offered, her grin widening into a mischievous smirk.

    Reeza''s excitement was palpable as she nodded vigorously in agreement.

    As they sat weaving another floral tiara amidst their laughter and shared tales, their peaceful moment was shattered by the arrival of a breathless youth. With urgency in his eyes, he relayed urgent news to Hatice: her father had collapsed while toiling in the fields.

    Heart pounding with dread, Hatice dashed towards the clinic, her mind a whirlwind of fear. Upon arrival, she was met with a somber congregation of villagers, their faces drained of color. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, painting a grim picture of her father''s plight.

    Forcing her way through the throng of mourners, Hatice reached the entrance of the clinic. Inside, a scene of devastation awaited her. Her mother, tears streaming down her face, knelt beside the lifeless form of her father, his body partially shrouded in a white sheet.

    With a choked gasp, the woman darted to her daughter''s side upon noting her presence, burying the girl''s face in her bosom to shield her from witnessing anymore of the devastating sight before her. But it was too late; the image of her father''s lifeless body had already etched itself into Hatice''s mind and soul, leaving behind a profound ache of grief.

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    ***

    Morning dew still hung on the leaves. The sun had yet to rise beyond the distant mountains. Despite the frigid cold, Reeza devoted the entire morning perfecting a tiara, her fingers tinged green from handling the grass. With a radiant smile, she inspected her work before hurrying to her friend''s house, eager to present her handmade gift in hopes of lifting Hatice''s spirits.

    "...I-I''m sorry about what happened to your father," Reeza stuttered, unveiling the tiara from behind her back and offering it to Hatice. "It may not be as nice as the one you made, but I hope it will make you feel a little bit better."

    Hatice gazed at the ornament with indifference, her expression turning sour. In a sudden burst of fury, she slapped the gift from Reeza''s hands, sending it crashing against the wall. The delicate blades of grass holding the tiara together unraveled, scattering flowers in all directions.

    "I don''t want your stupid gift!" spat Hatice. "Just leave me alone! Go! Get out of here right now!"

    Reeza stood rooted to the spot, stunned by her friend''s outburst. Beneath Hatice''s rage, she sensed the profound sorrow that gripped her heart. The warmth and familiarity of their friendship seemed to vanish, replaced by an icy barrier of grief. As Hatice''s anger gradually subsided into a hollow gaze, Reeza could somehow tell that her friend''s heart would remain frozen, even amidst the flames of a smithy''s forge.

    ***

    In a cozy cottage, a small family gathered around a weathered wooden table. Reeza, an innocent, bright-eyed girl with a heart full of wonder, sat between her mother and father. They held hands, their fingers interlaced, and closed their eyes for a moment of prayer before their morning meal.

    The room was bathed in the warm, flickering glow of the fireplace and a gently humming mana lamp. The table was adorned with a basket of freshly baked bread, a hearty stew, a medley of vegetables, and succulent meat, the rich aroma of each filling the air.

    Reeza¡¯s voice, full of youthful exuberance, broke the brief silence as they finished their prayer. ¡°Amen!¡± she exclaimed, her gratitude clear. ¡°Thank you, Mama and Papa for working so hard to put this food on our table.¡±

    Her parents exchanged a loving glance, touched by their daughter¡¯s appreciation. After their meal, her father began preparing to head out to the fields to tend to their crops. Reeza, eager to help, pattered over to him with her innocent eyes shining.

    ¡°Papa, can I help you in the fields today?¡± she asked, her face beaming with enthusiasm.

    Her father looked to his wife with a hint of concern, his voice tender as he knelt down and pulled his daughter into a warm hug. ¡°I¡¯m delighted you want to help, Reeza, but today, I think you should help your mother here.¡±

    Reeza¡¯s small cheeks inflated like a pair of balloons, but she nodded understandingly and went over to her mother¡¯s side. She looked up at her with those same bright eyes and asked, ¡°Mama, are there any chores that I can help with?¡±

    Her mother¡¯s expression softened with both love and worry as she patted Reeza¡¯s head and then knelt to caress her cheek. ¡°Sweetheart,¡± she began, her voice gentle, ¡°I¡¯m happy you want to help, but wouldn¡¯t it be better if you went out to play with the other children?¡±

    At the suggestion, Reeza remembered the breathless and wide-eyed messenger who had delivered the tragic news to her friend.

    ¡°But I want to learn how to help you and Papa,¡± Reeza insisted, her ruby red eyes quivering.

    ¡°I know. But we don¡¯t want you to grow up too quickly, dear. There will be plenty of time for that in the future. But, for right now, you deserve to enjoy your childhood.¡±

    Reeza¡¯s disappointment was evident in her frown, but she nodded with a kind smile and kissed her mother¡¯s cheek. ¡°Kay. I¡¯ll go and play outside then,¡± she said before heading towards the door. ¡°I love you!¡±

    As she disappeared outside, her parents exchanged worrisome gazes.

    "The poor child," the mother began with a heavy sigh. "She''s transformed so drastically since the incident with Hatice."

    "It''s truly a dilemma," the father added, his brow furrowed in concern.

    Reeza had remarkably grown into independence and maturity for her age, a mixed blessing born from an appalling event. Nevertheless, they were determined to ensure their little girl experienced the simple joys and innocence of childhood before the burdens of adulthood could weigh her down.

    Reeza hastily pushed the distant memory aside, the ache of hunger urging her to devour the stale bread that felt as hard as dried concrete slipping down her throat. Finishing the meager meal with a gulp of water, she then shifted her attention to the constant flow of people passing by the alley.

    <hr>

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 CHAPTER 61: High Risk Yields High Returns â€“ The Acquired Bounty

    Ignoring the discontented growling of her stomach, Reeza kept a keen eye on the passersby until she scanned and identified one woman in particular who was dressed quite ostentatiously.

    She knew to steer clear of those who might pose as easy marks but were actually the town¡¯s guards aiming to lure out and apprehend pickpockets. But Reeza already knew what to look out for to avoid them.

    Unbeknownst to her, however, was that while she was observing others in search of prey, a pair of tiny eyes were also observing her from behind a stack of old crates deeper in the alley.

    Focused on her target, Reeza smoothly maneuvered through the crowd with practiced ease. In a skillful move, she discreetly lifted a substantial coin purse from the clueless woman¡¯s waist bag, her face a mask of indifference, already searching for her next mark.

    An air of sadness surrounded Reeza, her movements detached, as if propelled by a force, a reckless spell, well beyond her control. Like a leaf caught in an errand wind, she drifted toward a man she had chosen without care or concern. But it wasn¡¯t greed or pleasure that guided her steps, but resignation.

    Reeza was tired.

    Years of leading a life of degeneracy had worn away at her spirit, leaving her caught in a cycle of desperation¡ªand her desperate desire for it all to be over had robbed her of her better judgement. But the curious eyes that watched her carefully appraised the target she had singled out as her next mark.

    The man stood tall and imposing, his aura exuding an air of success. Yet, upon closer inspection, a subtle weariness lingered in his eyes, hinting at a life filled with trials and challenges. There was a certain ruggedness about him that suggested a background in mercenary work.

    Whether he was retired, undercover, or simply taking a break remained a mystery, but one thing was certain: his vigilance and sharpness never wavered.

    Reeza, unfortunately, didn¡¯t properly read the signs. Ensnared by her own compulsion, she moved in like a possessed corpse. And the tiny spectator took flight, abandoning its hiding spot to intervene.

    The creature, akin to a yellow canary, zipped toward a nearby apple stall. The luminous bird emitted an otherworldly glow, its wings leaving a streak of golden electricity in its wake, clearly far from an ordinary canary.

    Just before Reeza¡¯s hand invaded the man¡¯s sphere of detection, the mysterious bird knocked over a tower of apples that spilled over into the street. In the very instant that the man was distracted, Reeza seized the opportunity, swiftly snatching his purse and smoothly retreating from the scene.

    From atop a nearby roof, the canary tilted its head robotically, turquoise eyes fixed upon the pink-haired girl who seemed to have snapped out of her reckless trance.

    ***

    The air was thick with death and the smell of copper. Free from the binds of paralysis, the Volturax gradually pushed to its feet, a guttural growl bubbling up in its throat, and its eyes burned with a ravenous need for vengeance.

    The explosion from the combined force of the Frost Prism and Flarial Seed had left a gaping hole in the creature¡¯s abdomen. But despite its intestines hanging out from the wound, the beast was still intent on devouring them all.

    As the ringing ceased in Daisuke¡¯s ears, he could hear the hushed whispers of despair from the party. Zephyr had collapsed from exhaustion, the pup now vulnerable to an attack.

    As if reading his thoughts, the Volturax¡¯s thick neck snapped to the side, the canine¡¯s motionless form reflected in the creature¡¯s one remaining eye.

    Daisuke¡¯s own eyes dilated in horror.

    ¡°Zephyr!¡± he bellowed in desperation, an arm extending for the pup. But instead of unparalleled speed, his knees buckled and his body slumped to the floor.

    The ghastly sounds of rending flesh and bones followed, and Daisuke stopped breathing, a deep and dark dread unfurling in his gut. Anger and fear twisted inside of him, fueling a monstrous urge for retribution.

    Summoning the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang, Daisuke struggled to his feet, his expression a dark and ugly mask. Then he suddenly paled when the monster flew by him in a flash, taking his arm and the weapon it possessed.

    A sickening chorus of screams and wailing was drowned out by a requiem of tearing flesh and crushing bones. Daisuke clutched his arm and turned toward the gruesome sight, only to be met with the piercing gaze of the fiend.

    Then it lunged at him.

    Daisuke lurched forward from his moss bed, Zephyr¡¯s name ripping from his throat in a rasp howl.

    ¡°I-It¡¯s okay,¡± Milo reassured him with raised hands. ¡°He¡¯s fine¡­ we¡¯re all fine.¡±

    Covered in sweat, Daisuke looked around frantically to find the pup sleeping soundly next to him. Then he glanced around the dimly lit chamber to find everyone staring at him in surprise.

    ¡°Did you have a bad dream?¡± asked Elena as she hurried to his side. ¡°Just take a deep breath; everything¡¯s all right.¡±

    ¡°Where are we?¡± Daisuke muttered, trying to quiet the throbbing ache in his forehead.

    ¡°Our camp on the 11<sup>th</sup> floor,¡± informed Rexar with a grin. ¡°We all decided to rest up here until you woke up.¡±

    ¡°The nightmare¡¯s over,¡± Gavric began, ¡°but it looks like you slipped right back into another one.¡±

    Daisuke held his gaze. ¡°Does that mean¡­¡±

    ¡°It does,¡± Finnian clarified as he sharpened his sword using a small whetstone.

    ¡°We managed to salvage the tail you severed, but the rest of the body was pretty much blown to smithereens,¡± said Lyanna as she gestured to the nearby appendage. ¡°You pretty much defeated the boss on your own, so everyone agreed you should have dibs on the tail.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ªlooks like I went a bit overboard,¡± Daisuke apologized as he gently stroked Zephyr¡¯s body.

    ¡°Mhmm,¡± Milo shook his head in denial. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be right for us to be disgruntled when we owe you our lives.¡±

    Elena nodded with a smile. ¡°He¡¯s right; we would have died many times over if you weren¡¯t here fighting alongside us. Thank you for everything.¡±

    Everyone heaved a grateful smile.

    Daisuke smiled back, which also seemed like a taunt. ¡°Don¡¯t thank me just yet; we still have 9 more floors to go before we¡¯re officially free of this place.¡±

    Everyone blanched at the thought of that, and Daisuke grinned playfully. Then he took a moment to recall the final moments of the battle with the Volturax in retrospect.

    During the whirlwind of activity, while he was defeating the monster¡¯s underlings, Daisuke vaguely remembered leveling up, which was the requirement for equipping the new leather boots he had received.

    After that, he needed to activate the option linked to the boots, but it was a gamble. Aside from the low activation probability, according to the equipment¡¯s description, Haste would only activate if Daisuke or a party member used a speed-type skill.

    Zephyr currently had a speed-type skill active, but he was a Companion. Would he be regarded as a party member by the System? The fact that everyone was still alive was the answer.

    [Swift Leather Boots]

    [Rank: Rare

    Type: Footwear | Light Armor

    Durability: 53/53 | Physical Defense: 9 | Magical Defense: 16 | Movement Speed: +10% | Evasion Rate: +10

    Finely-crafted leather boots that bestow the wearer with exceptional speed and agility, allowing them to dart through challenges with grace and swiftness.

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    When a speed-type skill is activated, either by you or a party member, there is a chance of activating the Haste skill, granting a 30-second burst of heightened speed.

    ?? Agility +3

    ?? Int +5

    ?? Chance of triggering Haste 10%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 21+ | Strength 70+ | Stamina 50+]

    After storing the Volturax¡¯s tail, Daisuke opened his Status Window to assess what had changed after the heart-wrenching battle with the toughest foe yet.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 23 | EXP: 12,385/82,656 (14.98%)

    Class: None

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter

    HP: 2883/2883 | MP: 380/380

    Strength: 62 (+18) | Stamina: 96 (+12) | Agility: 105 (+35) | Intelligence: 26 (+9) | Dexterity: 20 (+35) | Composure: 14 | Indomitable: 8

    Stat Points: 30

    Active Skills:

    ?? Eye of Verity

    ?? ¡ì??? @%&?

    ?? Alchemy

    ?? Intimidate

    ?? Magic Missile

    ?? Magic Chains

    ?? Impeccable Parry

    Passive Skills:

    ?? ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing

    ?? Novice Dagger Mastery

    ?? Novice Polearm Mastery

    ?? Novice Archery Mastery

    Gold: 18.7]

    [Name: Zephyr

    Level: 17 | EXP: 31,783/45,156 (70.38%)

    Race: Divine Beast

    Species: Wolf

    HP: 3106/3106 | MP: 650/650 | Attack: 234 | Defense: 112 | Satiety: 24/100 | Loyalty: 42/100

    Strength: 87 (+30) | Constitution: 65 (+30) | Agility: 90 (+30) | Intelligence: 79 (+30) | Dexterity: 52 (+30) | Courage: 29 (+30)

    Stat Points: 0]

    Daisuke cupped his chin in thought. Given the size of the party, I''m surprised I managed to gain 2 whole levels, he mused. Zephyr gained 5. But I suppose that only goes to show that special monsters give a substantial amount of EXP, and Zephyr and I did deal more damage than everyone else.

    With a mere mental command, he summoned his inventory and sorted it by ¡®newly acquired¡¯. It didn''t take long for him to notice that one of his daggers had, unfortunately, reached the end of its lifespan.

    [Broken Crude Bonepick]

    [Rank: Normal

    Type: Dagger

    Melee Attack Power: 16~20 | Durability: 0/46

    A crude weapon resembling a dagger, crafted from the bones of an ill-fated goblin. Although not designed for slashing attacks, it excels at piercing strikes and carries a chance of inflicting the ?Bleed? Status on the target.

    ?? Chance of triggering Bleed 15%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 1+ | Strength 1+ | Stamina 1+]

    What a shame, Daisuke murmured ruefully. But it really goes to show that I need to upgrade my equipment pronto. At level 23, I shouldn''t be wielding a level 1 dagger to confront a level 30 Dungeon Boss. I''d be a laughing stock if news of this got out on the community boards.

    [Lightning Bead x5]

    [Bramble Seed x6]

    [Mana Crystal (1.5lb)]

    [Reinforcement Tablet x4]

    [Small HP Recovery Potion x3]

    [Small MP Recovery Potion x4]

    [Volturax Fang x2]

    [Volturax Tail x1]

    [Lightning Bead]

    [Damage: 2,500

    Deals fixed Lightning Damage to the target upon impact. The electrical charge may leap to up to 7 nearby enemies, with a 75% chance of inducing ?Paralysis? and a 45% chance of causing the ?Burn? Status.]

    [Bramble Seed]

    [Damage: 150

    Vicious thorned vines, unleashed from the Bramble Seed, continuously inflict fixed Physical Damage per second on ensnared targets. Adversaries caught within the vines¡¯ AoE also suffer harm. There¡¯s a 35% chance of causing ?Bleed? and a 12% chance of inducing ?Poison? among those ensnared.]

    [Poison Status]

    [Swiftly deteriorates red blood cells, sapping the target¡¯s Strength and Stamina by 25%. Health diminishes at a rate of 0.2% per second over 90 seconds. Duration can also be dependent on the level and grade of the weapon or skill used to apply the status effect, as well as the target¡¯s level of resistance.]

    Nice! The utilities on these are just as impressive as the Frost Prism and Flarial Seeds, but the fixed damage is greater. I guess that¡¯s because they¡¯re drops from a far stronger monster.

    [Reinforcement Tablet]

    [When Cedric Oswald Percival passed away, he took the hidden knowledge of alchemy to the grave with him, sparking a frenzy among alchemists worldwide. Eager to unearth the secrets and stake their claim to fame and fortune, these alchemists pursued the faint trails left by Cedric.

    Though they never fully unraveled the mysteries, their tireless pursuits yielded an unexpected bounty: the means to elevate the reinforcement level of weapons and imbue them with magical properties.

    Item Effect:

    Increases the reinforcement level of a weapon by one tier.]

    Whoa~ I didn¡¯t expect to come across weapon enhancement materials this early in the game, Daisuke mused with a smile. But investing Reinforcement Tablets into low-level weapons would be a complete waste. Waiting until I get my hands on the Luck Stat would also help in balancing the odds since reinforcement is pretty much like playing the lottery.

    Since babies outgrow their clothes quickly, parents are careful not to overspend on them. Similarly, Daisuke chose to preserve the Reinforcement Tablets. Leveling up was relatively easy at this point, and considering the regular switching of weapons and equipment, saving these resources seemed like the wisest choice.

    [Volturax Fang]

    [The sharp canine teeth extracted from the Volturax. Handling them requires utmost care due to their lethal sharpness. Suitable for forging into equipment or trading with merchants.]

    [Volturax Tail]

    [The tail harvested from the Volturax. Its weight is primarily concentrated in the mace-like tip. While robust, its flexibility renders it a potent weapon for the monster. Ideal for crafting specialized equipment or trade with merchants.]

    Cleave mentioned that I should be mindful about selling off monster materials since they could be forged into useful equipment, so I¡¯ll just hang on to these until I visit a blacksmith. Also, Daisuke contemplated as he accessed his skills.

    [Impeccable Parry]

    [Rank: Epic

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 4%

    In the hands of a true weapon¡¯s master, the enemy¡¯s attacks become a canvas waiting to be shaped.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? While wielding a weapon, you have the ability to parry an enemy¡¯s Physical Attack if performed at the right instant.

    In the rare instance that damage is received, it first depletes your Stamina and Mana. Only when both resources are exhausted will your HP be affected.

    Mana Cost: None

    Skill Duration: 1 Second

    Skill Cooldown: 30 Seconds]

    I never really got a chance to evaluate this skill. On the surface, it appears almost like a cheat, but there are two major flaws¡ªthe primary one being the challenging nature of executing the parry itself. Without specialized combat skills or an understanding of the opponent¡¯s martial arts, pinpointing the precise moment to execute the parry would be nearly impossible.

    The second disadvantage is that parrying an attack that surpasses your ability to neutralize could drain your entire stamina and mana reserves, pretty much leaving you with a one-way ticket to hell.

    ¡°By the way,¡± Gavric began, laying out a collection of items next to Daisuke. ¡°These are the items we looted from the Dungeon Boss. Since you¡¯re pretty much our leader, we all agreed to let you decide what to do with them.¡±

    ¡°Leader?¡± Daisuke¡¯s expression turned to a surprised frown.

    ¡°Yes, of course,¡± Gavric insisted. ¡°No need to be modest.¡±

    Looking around, Daisuke was met with a chorus of thumbs up and smiles from the party. For a fleeting moment, he recalled his former role as leader of the children back in Dusthaven. But before the bitter parts of that memory surfaced, he halted his reminiscing and redirected his attention toward the items.

    [Small HP Recovery Potion x4]

    [Small MP Recovery Potion x6]

    [Volturax¡¯s Mana Core (2.3lbs)]

    [Dreadthorn Mace]

    [Rank: Normal

    [Type: Mace

    Melee Attack Power: 88~99 | Durability: 83/83 | Attack Speed: -27%

    A menacing weapon with a reputation for unleashing sheer devastation on the battlefield. Adorned with cruel, razor-sharp spikes, it is a symbol of brute force and merciless destruction.

    ?? Strength +8

    ?? Knockback Chance +38%

    ?? Chance of triggering Bleed 15%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 21+ | Strength 55+ | Stamina 35+]

    [Aurora Ring]

    [Rating: Normal

    Durability: 6/6 | Magical Defense: +4.7% | Magical & Physical Balance: +4.9%

    An amulet forged from the crystallized tears of a benevolent spirit. It shimmers with an otherworldly radiance.

    ?? Int +6

    ?? Mana +100

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 18+]

    [Mystic Headband]

    [Rating: Rare

    Type: Headgear

    Durability: 53/53 | Physical Defense: 9 | Magical Defense: 15

    Crafted by temple sages, it channels the wearer¡¯s inner serenity, amplifying mental acuity for precise and agile combat.

    ?? Attack Speed +22%

    ?? Accuracy +45%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 21+]

    ¡°All right, here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do,¡± Daisuke began, ¡°most of the potions will go to the healer and mage since the main damage dealer and healer are vital to the party¡¯s lifeline.¡±

    Without hesitation, Elena and Milo approached to graciously receive their allocated share of potions.

    ¡°Gavric, Finnian, and Milo,¡± Daisuke continued, ¡°this is for you. Aside from the fact that you guys missed out on a gift on the 5<sup>th</sup> floor, these items will complement your abilities: a mace will help Gavric to crush enemies when a sword doesn¡¯t work; a ring, like Elena¡¯s, to boost Milo¡¯s mana; and a headband to enhance Finnian¡¯s swordsmanship.¡±

    ¡°I knew entrusting this to you was the right call,¡± Gavric boasted.

    Finnian, the aloof member of the party, flashed a composed smile. Meanwhile, Milo held the ring up to the glowing fungi, appreciating its blue monochromatic design, which caught Elena''s eye with a hint of envy.

    Daisuke paused to examine the Volturax''s Mana Core, noting its size that was roughly that of a football. Unlike the Mana Crystals and cores from other dungeon mobs, the Mana Cores from Dungeon Bosses were larger, denser, and had a distinct pinkish hue. They emitted a brilliant sheen, indicating their superior quality.

    While an average Mana Crystal fetched 90 silver per ounce, those from Hidden Dungeons commanded a higher price of 135 silver per ounce. However, Mana Cores from Dungeon Bosses were valued at a staggering 150 gold per ounce, showcasing their rarity and desirability. As for Mana Cores from Hidden Dungeon Bosses, their value soared to an astonishing 350 gold per ounce. It was no surprise, considering the ridiculous challenge of actually locating and clearing Hidden Dungeons.

    ¡°As for the Volturax¡¯s Mana Core,¡± Daisuke said, handing the crystal chunk over to Gavric, ¡°I¡¯ll leave you in charge of selling it to the guild and dividing the proceeds evenly among yourselves once we get out of here.¡±

    "Wait¡ªwhat?" Rexar exclaimed in surprise. "D-Do you even know the market price for Dungeon Boss Mana Cores?"

    Milo and Elena stood by in stunned silence.

    "I don''t think it''s fair for you to shortchange yourself like this," Finnian declared firmly.

    "I couldn''t agree more," Lyanna chimed in. "If I''m not mistaken, that Mana Core should fetch at least a hundred gold per ounce. You deserve your fair share."

    Daisuke smiled gratefully, somehow finding solace in their argument. "I appreciate your honesty and consideration, but this is my decision. Please, respect it."

    Reluctantly, the party conceded to his wishes.

    "And what about you?" Gavric inquired, his brow furrowed with concern.

    "Don''t worry about me," Daisuke assured him. "My priority right now is to strengthen all of you on the remaining floors of this dungeon."

 CHAPTER 62: The Fruits of Labor

    RAWRRRRRR!

    A Floor Guardian¡ªa jet-black werewolf, its thick mane accentuated with golden patterns¡ªloomed over the party like the physical manifestation of a plague. Its deafening roar summoned a legion of smaller wolves, materializing from the air like wisps of smoke.

    True to his word, once Zephyr regained consciousness and the party rested, Daisuke took on a supportive role, allowing the others to concentrate on vanquishing monsters and advancing levels.

    Consequently, the Eye of Verity, Impeccable Parry, Magic Chains, and Magic Missile¡ªserving as a decent distraction¡ªsaw significant growth in proficiency.

    As the party utilized their well-organized formation to cut through monsters like a field of wheat, Daisuke recalled the next segment of Thalia¡¯s lecture.

    ¡ª ¡°Creatures from the deeper levels of the dungeon are unable to ascend to higher floors due to a less concentrated mana density. The mana would leak from their cores, resulting in their gradual weakening and eventual demise. For these monsters, the right mana density is as vital as oxygen.

    Similarly, creatures from the upper floors avoid descending to lower levels, fearing not only being preyed upon by mightier monsters but also the risk of contracting mana poisoning due to excessive exposure to highly concentrated mana.

    People with weaker immunity face the risk of mana poisoning, if they descend too rapidly to lower dungeon levels. Left untreated, mana poisoning could progress to mana deficiency, ultimately resulting in fatality.¡±

    Zephyr¡ªbearing the aggro of the werewolf¡ªpaused in one corner of the expansive chamber with a frown. His four legs splayed wide, body crouched low as the monstrous Floor Guardian advanced with eerie determination.

    Before the pup could unleash his Divine Armament skill, Daisuke ricocheted off the wall and ceiling like a humanoid spring, his heel striking the beast¡¯s face, propelling it into the side of the cavern like an oversized rag doll.

    ¡°Take care of the smaller wolves while I keep the guardian busy!¡± Daisuke¡¯s command echoed with authority.

    ¡°Got it!¡± The group responded in unison, their voices resounding through the chamber.

    ***

    Early in the morning, after the usual flurry of adventurers had flooded in and out of the lobby after applying for the newly posted quests, Thalia slouched against the corner, blowing upward at the wisps of hair covering her forehead.

    "The morning rush never seemed to tire you out before," remarked one of the female guild clerks with a knowing smile. "Are you perhaps... worried about that boy who keeps shooting you down?" she teased.

    Thalia glared, teeth grinding. ¡°I-I wasn¡¯t rejected by him, okay!¡±

    ¡°But you admit you have a crush on him,¡± the girl retorted.

    ¡°Ah¡ª¡± Thalia stammered, ensnared. ¡°Shut up! It¡¯s none of your business!¡±

    The girl chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re like an open book, so cute!¡±

    Fuming, Thalia ignored her, resting her head on crossed arms. It had been nearly a month since Haxks and the others embarked on their field test. She couldn''t shake off the worry gnawing at her. She wondered if they were safe and if her teachings had adequately prepared them for the challenges they faced.

    ¡°Hi.¡±

    The sudden greeting stirred Thalia from her thoughts, but her bright and expectant expression faded upon seeing an unfamiliar face by the counter.

    The boy scratched his cheek awkwardly. ¡°Not who you were expecting?¡±

    Thalia managed a brief smile, slipping into her professional demeanor. ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing,¡± she said, ¡°how may I assist you today?¡±

    ¡°We would like to apply for this quest, please,¡± said the boy, sliding the job listing and four ID cards across the counter.

    Thalia reviewed the job description and IDs, then glanced over the three young girls behind the boy¡ªa party comprised of an archer, mage, and healer, with the boy as the warrior.

    It was a well-balanced party, and the job was to eliminate a pesky group of goblins that were frequently terrorizing a small remote village, which was relatively easy for an F-ranked quest.

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    Thalia swiftly ran their details through the Global Census Register and confirmed that they were fresh recruits embarking on their very first job as adventurers.

    "I don''t mean to intrude," Thalia started with a considerate tone, "but wouldn''t a gathering quest be more suitable for your first job? Dealing with Horned Rabbits and Forest Imps could help you acclimatize as new adventurers. Goblins might seem small and unthreatening, but they can actually be quite cunning.¡±

    ¡°I think we¡¯ve had enough acclimatizing through the guild¡¯s field test thank you very much,¡± a feisty redhead among the girls responded flippantly.

    ¡°Plus,¡± the boy added with a similar level of insolence, ¡°gathering quests don¡¯t pay nearly enough to support our families and lifestyle. While I appreciate your concern, we¡¯ll be sticking to the goblin job.¡±

    ¡°Very well then,¡± Thalia responded with the same level of courtesy she had extended earlier. Without delay, she promptly completed the application and watched silently as the party turned their backs and proceeded towards the exit.

    Before she went through the doors, the healer turned and bowed apologetically, as if on behalf of the others.

    ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll be alright?¡± asked the clerk who was teasing Thalia just moments ago.

    ¡°Well, they seem to believe so.¡±

    ***

    Finnian pulled his sword from the eye socket of the downed Floor Guardian, crimson red blood coating the long blade.

    [Name: Finnian Lancaster

    Species: Human

    Level: 29 | EXP: 16,780/131,406 (12.76%)

    Class: Samurai

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild

    Title: Way of the Warrior

    HP: 1259/3974 | MP: 36/521

    Strength: 107 | Stamina: 78 (+13) | Agility: 61 | Intelligence: 44

    Stat Points: 0]

    Gavric pressed his boot onto the creature¡¯s lifeless corpse, both hands wrenching his mace from its shattered hind leg. Retrieving his shield from the ground, he secured it around his forearm.

    [Name: Gavric Ironheart

    Species: Human

    Level: 27 | EXP: 8,520/113,906 (7.47%)

    Class: Tank

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild

    Title: None

    HP: 1642/2904 | MP: 23/486

    Strength: 100 | Stamina: 84 | Agility: 32 | Intelligence: 54

    Stat Points: 0]

    Rexar lowered his fists with a sigh, blood and gore dripping from his gauntlets that were now sufficiently seasoned in battle.

    [Name: Rexar Ashenwood

    Race: Demihuman (Wolfkin)

    Level: 26 | EXP: 92,957/105,625 (88%)

    Class: Warrior

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild

    Title: None

    HP: 947/2575 | MP: 06/438

    Strength: 86 | Stamina: 78 | Agility: 49 | Intelligence: 47

    Stat Points: 0]

    Lyanna had been diligently going around to retrieve her arrows from the fallen monsters, but now she paused in front of one, weariness evident in her posture¡ªher back arched, her arms slumped with exhaustion.

    [Name: Lyanna Emberlynn

    Species: Human

    Level: 25 | EXP: 52,210/97,656 (53.46%)

    Class: Archer

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild

    Title: None

    HP: 1047/2651 | MP: 55/400

    Strength: 83 | Stamina: 75 | Agility: 48 | Intelligence: 45

    Stat Points: 0]

    Elena leaned heavily on her staff, her chest rising and falling, warm breaths escaping her parted lips.

    [Name: Elena Hawthorne

    Race: Demihuman (Beastkin)

    Level: 28 | EXP: 17,469/122,500 (14.26%)

    Class: Mage

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild

    Title: None

    HP: 1881/1930 | MP: 17/1033

    Strength: 15 | Stamina: 55 | Agility: 36 | Intelligence: 173

    Stat Points: 0]

    Milo¡¯s legs buckled, and he fell on his rear, awkwardly reaching into his pouch for an MP potion before he came down with an unwelcome case of mana deficiency.

    [Name: Milo Kindlewise

    Species: Human

    Level: 24 | EXP: 48,189/90,000 (53.54%)

    Class: Healer

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild

    Title: None

    HP: 1305/1726 | MP: 0/982

    Strength: 14 | Stamina: 34 | Agility: 22 | Intelligence: 170

    Stat Points: 0]

    Zephyr lay sprawled out on his tummy like a corgi, a small pink tongue sticking out of his mouth.

    [Name: Zephyr

    Level: 28 | EXP: 14,956/122,500 (12.20%)

    Race: Divine Beast

    Species: Wolf

    HP: 2024/5278 | MP: 12/1137 | Attack: 242 | Defense: 145 | Satiety: 46/100 | Loyalty: 44/100

    Strength: 184 (+34) | Constitution: 87 (+30) | Agility: 108 (+30) | Intelligence: 162 (+30) | Dexterity: 72 (+30) | Courage: 38 (+30)

    Stat Points: 0]

    Daisuke sat atop the carcass of a lupine monster, a satisfied smile gracing his face as he deftly flicked his dagger as if flipping a harmless coin. Though he made sacrifices to empower the party instead of himself, his skills had notably improved, and Zephyr, if nothing else, had experienced significant growth.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 24 | EXP: 89,992/90,000 (99.99%)

    Class: None

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter

    HP: 1069/2501 | MP: 78/362

    Strength: 72 (+18) | Stamina: 101 (+12) | Agility: 120 (+35) | Intelligence: 36 (+9) | Dexterity: 23 (+35) | Composure: 23 | Indomitable: 6

    Stat Points: 0]

    My HP dropped quite a bit since I no longer get the 12% Stat increase from Zephyr outside of combat, Daisuke noted before his gaze shifted elsewhere. Looks like my Unique Stats increased by a decent margin though, especially Composure.

    Rexar shook the blemish from his gauntlets, his gaze fixed on Finnian who was meticulously cleaning his blade on the fur of the Floor Guardian. "Augh," he groaned wearily, the exhaustion evident in his voice. "I''m so tired¡ªit feels like I''m about to die."

    ¡°Well, that would be a complete waste,¡± Daisuke remarked as he leapt from atop the carcass. ¡°Considering you¡¯ve basically reached the goal.¡±

    ¡°What? Really?¡± Rexar blurted out in excited disbelief. ¡°Everything just felt like a blur to me!¡±

    ¡°Like we were just lifelessly going through the motions,¡± Lyanna added with a strained smile.

    ¡°Exactly!¡±

    ¡°Well, that all ends here,¡± Daisuke reassured, much to the party¡¯s delight. ¡°It¡¯s been a few grueling weeks, but you¡¯ve all managed to push through and gotten considerably stronger in the process¡ªcongratulations!¡±

    Rexar glared at Daisuke. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not some sort of undercover guild operative?¡±

    Milo smiled awkwardly. ¡°You sure are suspicious of Haxks.¡±

 CHAPTER 63: At Last, Settling the Score

    Tears welling in the corners of his eyes, Milo let out a heavy sigh, dropping to all fours like a damsel in distress. ¡°I swear, I¡¯ll never step foot into another dungeon ever again.¡±

    Rexar comically collapsed to his knees and tilted his chin towards the open sky. ¡°After enduring a lifetime¡¯s worth of mushrooms, I¡¯m finally free!¡±

    ¡°Jeez, you both are quite the drama queen,¡± Lyanna teased playfully, even as the fresh air, the forest¡¯s gentle embrace, and the vast expanse of the sky beyond the trees painted a radiant smile on her lips.

    Elena inhaled deeply, a sense of contentment evident as color returned to her cheeks. ¡°We¡¯re finally back; those few weeks felt like an eternity.¡±

    Finnian and Gavric pumped fists and exchanged exuberant smiles.

    DING!

    [The quest ?Escape the Dungeon Unscathed? has been completed!]

    [35,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [Affinity with Elena, Rexar, and Milo is now 100%.]

    [Level Up!]

    [The class quest ?Defying the Odds? has been received.]

    The party barely had a moment to savor the warm sunlight and the sweet taste of the summer air before a menacing laughter reverberated among the surrounding trees.

    ¡°Seriously? I can¡¯t believe these bastards actually managed to escape the dungeon in one piece!¡± Osten exclaimed with a grin that bordered on psychotic. And the skull icon beside his name¡ªthe brand of a murderer¡ªcemented that impression even more.

    ¡°The thought of you all being gruesomely eaten alive by monsters was comforting, but I¡¯d much prefer to squeeze the life out of you myself.¡±

    His grin abruptly faded, his countenance darkening as his eyebrows furrowed. He raised his arms, framing Daisuke¡¯s unimpressed visage within a square formed by his index fingers and thumbs.

    ¡°Especially you, Haxks,¡± he spat, his voice low and venomous. ¡°I¡¯m going to enjoy breaking every single bone in your body for what you did to me.¡±

    Right on cue, Callista completed her whispered incantation, then raised her newly acquired staff, erecting a barrier around both predator and prey.

    Blitz brandished his sword, his eyes filled with a ferocity just below Osten¡¯s level of madness. ¡°You¡¯re all going to regret the day you crossed us.¡±

    ¡°Haxks belongs to me,¡± declared Osten. ¡°Take care of the rest.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll ensure their demise is slow and agonizing,¡± he pledged.

    Daisuke scowled, a familiar power glinting in his eyes.

    [Name: Osten (Criminal)

    Species: Human

    Level: 22 | EXP: 56,082/75,625 (74.15%)

    Class: Warrior

    Title: None

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild | Dragonsbane Guild

    HP: 3221/3257 | MP: 206/206

    Strength: 140 (+14) | Stamina: 43 (+6) | Agility: 25 (+7) | Intelligence: 12 (+9)

    Stat Points: 0]

    [Name: Blitz (Criminal)

    Species: Human

    Level: 21 | EXP: 46,874/68,906 (68.02%)

    Class: Tank

    Title: None

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild | Dragonsbane Guild

    HP: 2155/2445 | MP: 287/338

    Strength: 78 (+5) | Stamina: 65 (+4) | Agility: 25 (+5) | Intelligence: 42 (+7)

    Stat Points: 0]

    [Name: Callista (Criminal)

    Species: Human

    Level: 23 | EXP: 11,461/82,656 (13.86%)

    Class: Mage

    Title: None

    Affiliation: Adventures¡¯ Guild | Dragonsbane Guild

    HP: 1960/1962 | MP: 854/1049

    Strength: 14 | Stamina: 32 (+2) | Agility: 21 (+4) | Intelligence: 163 (+15)

    Stat Points: 0]

    ¡°¡­Show them who you¡¯ve become,¡± said Daisuke in a soft tone, much to the party¡¯s elation.

    Just as Callista did, Elena completed a whispered incantation for her own spell. A sizable fireball materialized overhead, instantly shifting the power dynamic and dispelling Osten and his cronies¡¯ misconception that they were in complete control.

    CRASHHHHHHH!

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    They were not the predators, nor had they trapped prey; these were vengeful tigers seeking long-overdue retribution.

    The raging fireball effortlessly shattered the barrier, like a hard rock through glass, crashing into the trio with unrelenting force. The searing flames incinerated clothes and flesh as agonized screams erupted from scorched throats.

    Elena stepped forward, looking over her nose at the individuals who had nearly inadvertently brought ruin upon her village by harming her and her companions.

    Osten, Blitz, and Callista teetered on the brink of life. After losing over 50% of their health in a single attack, they had succumbed to a paralyzed state. Blitz evidently had some deterrent to the debuff, because he started to rise with difficulty, followed by Callista.

    PHUSHHHH!

    Rexar¡¯s armored fist collided with Blitz¡¯s stomach. The man¡¯s feet lifted clear off the ground, his body bending like a folding screen, his expression twisting in a combination of pain and shock.

    THWACK!

    THWACK-THWACK-THWACK-THWACK!

    A flurry of arrows pierced Callista¡¯s back, sapping what was left of her strength. With a grunt, she fell face-first, both her and Blitz gradually being engulfed by a column of golden light signaling their demise.

    While Zephyr found amusement in relieving himself on a subdued and protesting Osten, Daisuke approached slowly, his expression unreadable.

    An advantageous aspect of being an NPC was their ability to punish a player¡ªwith no witnesses, they could slaughter a player and easily get away with it. Even if the crime was revealed, the justice system often sided with the NPC if they were deemed innocent. In the event that the jury found the perpetrator guilty, the resulting sentence was typically lenient.

    Players, on the other hand, were under constant surveillance by the System without bias. No matter their whereabouts, even in the deepest depths of Tartarus confronting their archenemies, the moment they committed a transgression¡ªsuch as eliminating said nemesis¡ªthey were swiftly labeled as criminals and relentlessly pursued by both players and NPCs alike.

    Osten grabbed onto Daisuke¡¯s leg with what little stamina he had left, his eyes wide with malice and scorn. ¡°Y-You bastard¡­¡±

    ¡°All the time you wasted lying in wait,¡± said Daisuke patronizingly, his glare sharp and condescending, ¡°you should have spent it leveling up.¡±

    Before Osten could vow his revenge or voice his disdain, Elena swiftly ended the confrontation with a magic missile, striking him directly between the eyes. With an air of indifference, she observed as his body was gradually engulfed by a column of light, disappearing from sight.

    Daisuke peered down at all the items left behind by the despicable trio, even as he was lost in thought.

    The typical white shade of a player¡¯s name would shift to yellow, orange, and then red, depending on the severity of a committed crime. Each color necessitated different waiting periods, monster slayings, or acts of kindness needed to get rid of the status. Moreover, on top of losing two levels, higher criminal records increased the likelihood of losing items upon death.

    ¡°You should keep them,¡± Gavric proposed, trailing Daisuke¡¯s gaze. ¡°It¡¯s due to your leadership and sacrifice that we¡¯ve grown significantly over the course of these four weeks.¡±

    ¡°But I¡ª¡±

    ¡°I agree,¡± Elena chimed in firmly. ¡°It¡¯s time for you to respect our decision, like we did yours.¡±

    Rexar flicked the bridge of his nose with a grin, and then the rest of the group unanimously nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Daisuke smiled in surrender. ¡°All right then, let¡¯s head back.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡±

    ***

    ¡°After the first 3 weeks, I was starting to lose all hope,¡± admitted Baldin from his office chair with a smile, his eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and relief. ¡°But I knew there was something truly special about you.¡±

    Professor Bayley nodded in sincere agreement, his usually stoic demeanor softened by a slight grin. Meanwhile, Thalia blushed animatedly while stealing glances at Daisuke. She was flanking the Guildmaster alongside Professor Bayley.

    ¡°Please,¡± Baldin said, bowing his head apologetically. ¡°Please accept my deepest apologies for what happened. The betrayal and anguish you went through is something no adventurer should ever face.¡±

    Elena raised her hands nervously at the man¡¯s sincere gesture. ¡°W-Wait¡­¡±

    ¡°I assure you,¡± he vowed solemnly, his tone carrying the weight of his commitment, ¡°that I¡¯ll ensure those responsible are thoroughly punished for their crimes.¡±

    ¡°I suspected they had something to do with this mess,¡± Professor Bayley murmured with a rare flicker of anger.

    ¡°In light of your monumental ordeal,¡± Baldin continued with an air of respect, ¡°I¡¯ll be granting you all a passing grade for the field test. Congratulations on your perseverance and resilience.¡±

    Excitement and relief washed over the faces of the party at the welcomed news, their expressions brightening with gratitude.

    ¡°But, Haxks¡­ according to your comrades¡¯ testimonies regarding your exceptional feats in the dungeon, I don¡¯t feel that the reward is quite adequate for your extraordinary efforts. Is there anything specific that you seek in recognition for your efforts? If it¡¯s within my power¡ª¡±

    ¡°Even without the privileges of aristocracy, S and A-ranked adventurers have a lot of influence in society,¡± stated Daisuke in a composed tone. ¡°It¡¯s too time-consuming to climb the ladder to the top, which is why I¡¯d like the privilege to undertake the most challenging jobs in each tier. Each successful completion would mean a promotion in rank.¡±

    Silence fell upon the room, a moment of collective surprise overtaking them, not only due to the boldness of his request but also the nonchalant manner of its delivery. Thalia, however, appeared more concerned about the daring proposition.

    ¡°Unacceptable!¡± she interjected, her voice charged with urgency. ¡°There¡¯s no way¡ª¡±

    Baldin raised his hand, motioning for silence. ¡°Before I make my decision, may I ask you one question?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your ultimate goal¡ªwhat is it that you¡¯re striving to achieve?¡±

    All eyes turned to Daisuke, eagerly awaiting his response, a combination of curiosity and anticipation hovering in the air.

    DING!

    [Demonic Consequences]

    [Quest Difficulty: C

    Deep within the heart of the Fleecia Forest rests Elmridge¡ªa modest village that holds sentimental value for Elena, Rexar, and Mio, their hometown.

    For the past few months, Elmridge has faced relentless demonic invasions. While the individual fiends are not formidable, their sheer numbers have inflicted significant harm.

    The relentless attacks have caused substantial losses in the village, sowing the seeds of grief and despair, paralyzing the community, and impeding their ability to function.

    Clear Conditions: Uncover the source behind the demonic raids to prevent Elmridge from facing complete annihilation.

    Rewards:

    ?? Affinity with the village folk +100%

    ?? EXP +23,700

    ?? A favorable encounter

    Quest Failure:

    ?? The destruction of Elmridge

    ?? Any survivors will harbor eternal animosity

    ?? Loss of favorable encounter]

    ¡°Well, right now,¡± Daisuke began, his gaze shifting towards Elena, ¡°I need to assist her with a personal matter.¡±

    Elena blinked rapidly in surprise.

    ¡°And your long-term goal?¡± Baldin inquired, pressing for more.

    ¡°¡­To lead a peaceful life with the ones that I cherish. But, if there¡¯s one thing I¡¯ve learned, it¡¯s that power is a necessity to achieve any sort of goal in this world¡­ even basic survival.¡±

    Baldin contemplated his words for a moment, then glanced around the room, observing the party beside Daisuke who appeared somewhat content despite the challenging experiences they had undergone.

    The Beastkin Elena and Rexar, in particular, radiated enthusiasm and admiration. Their eyes gleamed with respect and affection as they looked at Daisuke. Even Professor Bayley and Thalia showed evident fondness towards him.

    ¡°I would like everyone except Professor Bayley and Haxks to step outside,¡± the man requested with authority, noting as everyone hesitantly left the room, evidently reluctant to leave Daisuke behind.

    Then he interlocked his fingers and rested his elbow on the meticulously arranged desk, his gaze reflecting a deep sense of contemplation.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Baldin said, finally breaking the prolonged silence, a warm smile replacing his once stern countenance. ¡°I accept your terms, but it¡¯s crucial that you maintain the confidentiality of this arrangement.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Professor Bayley chimed in as he fiddled with his mustache. ¡°It could raise unwarranted accusations of favoritism against the Guildmaster should word ever to get out.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Daisuke returned with a slight bow of his head. ¡°Thank you for considering my selfish request.¡±

    Both men observed as he exited the room.

    ¡°What are your thoughts about him?¡± Baldin inquired.

    ¡°¡­I believe he¡¯s destined for greatness,¡± Professor Bayley asserted confidently.

    The Guildmaster considered the man¡¯s bold claim, his eyes alight with a mysterious gleam.

    ¡°Is there really anything that can be done about those naughty kids?¡±

    Baldin sighed, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Unfortunately, there¡¯s only so much sway that a neutral organization can have over a large guild, especially one led by The Fallen.¡±

 CHAPTER 64: Departure and Arrival

    Daisuke stepped into the guild¡¯s bustling lobby in time to observe as Thalia placed five hefty coin pouches on the counter.

    A sense of elation spread through Elena, Rexar, and Milo, who eagerly hoisted their share above their heads, worshiping it as though it were a sacred gift of immeasurable worth. Their actions were met with amused laughter from the other adventurers in the room.

    ¡°Ah, Haxks,¡± Gavric greeted courteously. ¡°I just cashed in the Mana Core. Thanks to you, my family can finally be at ease.¡±

    ¡°And we managed to stay alive and secure our license too,¡± Finnian added, offering a respectful ninety-degree bow in an echo of Gavric¡¯s. ¡°We owe you a debt of gratitude. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡ª¡±

    Stowing their loot, Elena, Rexar, Milo, and Lyanna scurried forward and followed suit, much to the astonishment of the other adventurers.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± whispered one man to another.

    ¡°Who is he?¡± murmured another.

    ¡°Is he someone famous?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not exactly dressed the part.¡±

    Daisuke raised his hands awkwardly, breaking into a sweat. ¡°Wait, there¡¯s no need for that,¡± he said, coaxing them to lift their heads. ¡°I survived because we were a team.¡±

    Though his words didn¡¯t seem to convince anyone, they accepted his gratitude.

    ¡°Normally I¡¯d treat you to a feast for everything you¡¯ve done,¡± Gavric began solemnly, ¡°but given the circumstances, I must return to my family.¡±

    ¡°I feel the same,¡± Finnian added. ¡°It¡¯s been over three weeks since I¡¯ve left my siblings to fend for themselves; I¡¯m really worried about them.¡±

    Elena, Rexar, and Milo were visibly jostled by the words of the two men; they couldn¡¯t help but reflect on their circumstances as well.

    ¡°I truly didn¡¯t expect anything in return,¡± Daisuke confessed with a dismissive wave of his hand. ¡°And a feast wouldn¡¯t sit well with me, not when we all have unfinished business. You both should get going; it¡¯s a small town, and we¡¯ll likely cross paths again at the guild.¡±

    Elena and the others nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Thank you for being so understanding,¡± Gavric responded, followed by Finnian¡¯s nod of appreciation.

    ¡°Family always comes first,¡± Milo chimed in earnestly.

    ¡°Yeah, you both should get going,¡± Rexar said with a gruff but compassionate tone.

    ¡°¡­I should get going too,¡± said Lyanna as she gave Elena a warm hug. Rexar boldly reached out for a turn but got clobbered instead.

    "By the way," said Daisuke, offering one final piece of advice before they departed. "Be sure to invest a portion of that coin into acquiring better gear. Formidable power stems not only from strength but also from having powerful equipment."

    Gavric, Finnian, and Lyanna waved their goodbyes and made their way to the door, leaving Elena lost in thought.

    ¡°After that exchange,¡± Daisuke said, observing the group, ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re all eager to return home as well.¡±

    Elena''s eyes widened with surprise, and as she locked gazes with Daisuke, his warm smile put her at ease. "Since I''m already here," he suggested, "why don''t I sell my Mana Crystals? After that, we can pick up some supplies at the apothecary before we head out. Sounds good?"

    Everyone eagerly nodded in agreement.

    Thalia started waving like a maniac when she spied Daisuke¡¯s approach. ¡°I¡¯m so relieved that you¡¯re okay,¡± she gushed when he was within earshot of her voice.

    "Every day you were MIA, she''s been looking like a zombie at work," a fellow guild clerk teased playfully.

    ¡°H-Hey! Lovanna!¡± Thalia retorted, her cheeks swelling up like balloons.

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    Elena¡¯s expression turned into a pout of jealousy, setting off warning signals in Thalia¡¯s feminine instincts, which she impulsively acted upon without a second thought.

    Daisuke flinched when a pair of large breasts pressed against his face as Thalia pulled him into her chest from across the counter.

    ¡°Whoa~¡± echoed a chorus of lewd gasps from the watching male population. Some looked on with jealous envy, sending shivers down Daisuke¡¯s spine.

    ¡°Y-You! W-What¡¯re you doing!¡± Elena exclaimed in bleat alarm, clutching Daisuke by the shirt and pulling him back with all her might. Yet Thalia held onto him even tighter.

    ¡°¡­Is this really appropriate behavior for the workplace?¡± Daisuke protested, hopelessly caught in-between the two.

    Thalia released him, her expression serious. ¡°S-Sorry, I couldn¡¯t help it,¡± she confessed candidly. ¡°You¡¯re setting out on another dangerous adventure, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Elena loosened her grip upon noticing the hint of dejection in the girl¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Think of that gesture as a good luck charm,¡± Thalia continued. ¡°Take care of yourself and come back safely.¡±

    Daisuke offered a small smile. ¡°Your advice from the lectures really helped while we were tackling the dungeon,¡± he admitted. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Thalia beamed at his rare show of friendliness before returning to her professional demeanor. ¡°I¡¯m glad I could assist. Is there anything else I can help you with before you go?¡±

    Daisuke placed the 8.5 pounds of Mana Crystals he had accumulated over the past month onto the counter. Suppressing her shock, Thalia weighed them on a magic scale before disappearing into the back room.

    Upon her return, she promptly slid a tray piled high with a shimmering mountain of silver coins across the counter. Milo and Rexar beamed and salivated with excitement, while the other adventurers sighed in amazement.

    ¡°Is he some sort of celebrity after all?¡± remarked one man.

    ¡°He¡¯s not exactly dressed the part,¡± quipped a familiar voice.

    Ignoring the unwelcome attention, Daisuke swiftly passed his hand over the coins. They shimmered blue and then dematerialized, transferring into his inventory.

    DING!

    [12,240 silver has been acquired.]

    ¡°So lucky~¡± Elena whined with an envious pout. ¡°It must be nice having a magic bag.¡±

    Daisuke simply nodded while listening to her brief rant, his eyes betraying a hint of amusement.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon,¡± he said to Thalia before turning to leave, his gaze lingering for a moment, expressing a silent reassurance.

    ¡°Please take care¡­ all four of you. The guild doors will always be open for your return,¡± Thalia said with a subtle air of concern.

    When Rexar and Milo turned to follow Daisuke, Elena stuck her tongue out at Thalia. Zephyr was perched on her shoulder, and he cheekily mimicked her playful gesture.

    PAJIK!

    A blood vessel pulsed visibly in Thalia¡¯s forehead, her face contorting into an almost ghastly form as her anger surged.

    Lovanna laughed playfully.

    ***

    After stocking up on potions and other essential supplies, the party promptly left Wonderelle. A day and a half and plenty of monster corpses later, their journey on foot southwest of the town brought them into the sprawling embrace of the Fleecia Forest.

    Daisuke became curious when they came to a halt within a large glade. An ominous mountain loomed over the trees in the distance, but aside from that, nothing seemed particularly noteworthy.

    ¡°Why did we stop?¡± Daisuke inquired with a raised eyebrow, his gaze shifting between his comrades and their surroundings. ¡°Are you guys tired already? We only recently took a break.¡±

    He looked to Zephyr who would have started making a fuss if there was a monster within proximity, but the pup looked equally confused by the sudden respite.

    Although it wasn¡¯t quite his intention, years of adversity triggered alarm bells within Daisuke. Tension coiled his muscles. Now that he had helped the trio escape the cave with their lives, his usefulness may have now expired. Perhaps it was their plan to do away with him.

    ¡°Just wait and see,¡± Milo said in a hushed tone, gesturing toward Rexar who took a few steps ahead of them.

    With a grace that could only be achieved from years of practice, the Wolfkin produced a melodious series of whistles that was akin to the warble of a majestic nightingale.

    Moments passed.

    Elena, Rexar, and Milo¡¯s jubilation was undisguised, yet Daisuke and Zephyr remained anxious. Daisuke, especially, remained vigilant, keenly observing his surroundings and the comrades he still regarded with caution.

    His fingers twitched in anticipation. Even though their levels far surpassed his own, just a moment¡¯s notice was all he would need to summon his dagger and dispatch all three individuals within a heartbeat.

    Just before he activated the Eye of Verity to assess his surroundings, the panoramic view ahead briefly distorted, introducing more questions than answers.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Milo reassured with a smile. ¡°There¡¯s no need for alarm; we simply relayed a message.¡±

    The reassurance was ambiguous at best, but as an invisible force field silently lifted, revealing the elusive Elmridge village, Daisuke displayed rare surprise. Elena, Rexar, and Milo observed his reaction with fascination.

    Rays of sunlight filtered through clouds, casting columns of soft light over a mysterious settlement. Beyond an overgrown and vibrant meadow were the traces of intelligent life. Instead of conventional houses made of timber, stone, clay, or straws, large mounds covered in grass were nestled in the shadows of lofty trees.

    Except for the large, round stones blocking the entrance of each dwelling, the landscape retained a natural and largely unaltered appearance. This gave the impression more akin to a hidden fortress rather than a cozy and inviting sanctuary.

    Despite the beautiful weather, the village seemed devoid of life. Concerned, Daisuke glanced at the others, fearing the worst. Yet, they exuded calmness, even sentimentality.

    ¡°Ruff!¡± Zephyr¡¯s bark hinted at signs of life. On closer inspection, Daisuke realized the village wasn¡¯t deserted; its inhabitants were merely cautious. They peeked through doorways and inconspicuous ventilation holes, observing the strangers warily from their unique dwellings.

    Suddenly¡ª

    ¡°Big Brother!¡±

 CHAPTER 65: The Favorable Encounter

    ¡°Big Brother!¡± came the joyous cry of a little girl with auburn hair and chestnut eyes as she sprinted toward the trio.

    Rexar gracefully dropped to his knees, arms open and wearing an affectionate smile. ¡°Half-Pint!¡± he called with a blush, only to be met with shock and heartbreak when the girl leaped into Daisuke¡¯s arms instead of his own.

    ¡°April?¡± Daisuke exclaimed in surprised disbelief. ¡°Wait! What¡¯re you¡ª¡±

    ¡°It really is a small world, isn¡¯t it?¡± said Feng with a hand cupping his hip, an aloof smile teasing his lips.

    "It''s such a relief to see you''re alright," added Sylvia tearfully. "We''ve been on edge this whole time, going back and forth with the idea of forming a search party."

    ¡°Haxks!¡± shouted Aldric with a firm salute. ¡°I protected April as promised. Everyone was worried sick, but I knew a stupid monster wouldn¡¯t get the best of you.¡±

    Mia had her fingers laced gracefully behind her back with a coy smile. ¡°I knew you¡¯d find your way back to us.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s expression softened. Everyone¡¯s all right, he thought in relief, then his gaze settled on Mia. It was pretty reckless for her to follow us all the way out here alone; her nights must have been painfully long.

    Even as he contemplated this, a part of him felt a flicker of happiness knowing that she was willing to make such a sacrifice for him. Despite the betrayal he endured, Mia''s actions made it abundantly clear that not everyone shared Brek''s misguided beliefs.

    ¡°So wait¡ªare you telling me Haxks is the big brother those two were going on about all this time?¡± Rexar scoffed in surprise.

    ¡°Then why were they calling him Julian?¡± asked Milo.

    ¡°It¡¯s the alias that Mr. Langley¡ªI mean, Haxks, devised to protect their identity and fool the man who took us all in as slaves,¡± explained Sylvia.

    ¡°Big Brother,¡± cried April as she smothered her face in his chest. ¡°I-I was so scared,¡± she sniffled. ¡°I thought that monster had¡ª¡±

    Daisuke gently stroked her head, his rare show of affection making Elena blush as she watched from a distance. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I made you worry,¡± he said tenderly, relief unfurling within him as much as it did within her. ¡°And I¡¯m glad you were all able to escape safely,¡± he said, his eyes passing over Sylvia, Feng, Aldric, and Mia.

    Zephyr, feeling neglected, got up on his hind legs and braced his front paws against April with a whimper. Sensing the attention, the little girl retreated from the warmth of Daisuke¡¯s embrace and clumsily began wiping her tears. Then she looked down at the pup with uncertainty.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Daisuke reassured with a comforting smile, "he''s perfectly harmless. His name''s Zephyr¡ªhe''s a friend I made when we got separated."

    Readily convinced, April tentatively extended her fingers, which the canine playfully licked. Her face lit up with a radiant smile as she reached down to pat and embrace the overgrown marshmallow of a wolf.

    The other Beastfolk who remained in hiding observed the warm interaction. Ears and tails that once sagged in fright now perked up with curiosity, and they gradually began to emerge from their dwellings. The kids, in particular, slowly approached April and Zephyr, eager for a chance to pet the curious wolf.

    ¡°So, this is the safe haven you mentioned,¡± remarked Daisuke, shifting his gaze to Sylvia.

    "Yes... the safe haven she willingly abandoned," interjected an elderly woman accusingly, causing the girl to bow her head dejectedly.

    ¡°And you are?¡± Daisuke asked with a hint of indifference, evidently annoyed by the verbal attack.

    ¡°My name is Timartha. I¡¯m the village chief,¡± clarified the elderly woman with a slight inclination of her head. ¡°Thank you for rescuing the young ones; I¡¯m eternally grateful.¡±

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    Daisuke appraised the woman who was no taller than four feet in height, her small stature supported by an old wooden staff. Her round face overflowed, the cheeks resting against her shoulders with creases flowing through her skin like a time-worn leather bag.

    ¡°What brings you to our humble abode?¡± she questioned cautiously, one eye holding the stranger in its poor gaze. ¡°Did one of the kids teach you the birdsong?¡±

    ¡°No, that was me,¡± said Rexar with a grin, stepping forward so that he was within range of the woman¡¯s poor vision.

    ¡°Haxks is the reason we were able to come home,¡± admitted Elena as she approached with a smile.

    ¡°Rexar! Elena!¡± the elder exclaimed in a hushed tone, both eyes popping open in shock.

    ¡°He¡¯s also agreed to help us protect the village against the demons,¡± Milo chimed in.

    Flustered, Timartha staggered forward, and the female aides at her side scrambled to help her before she fell. ¡°Milo,¡± she uttered, her voice quivering. ¡°It¡¯s been two moons since you three left for the guild; we all feared the worst.¡±

    The trio approached the woman so that she could take turns holding their hands, then she turned to Daisuke with renewed enthusiasm. ¡°You¡¯ve only been here for a moment, and already I¡¯m deeply in your debt,¡± she said with a chuckle.

    Daisuke allowed a wan smile. ¡°Despite the hardships that this village faces, you all still went out of your way to keep April and Mia safe, so that makes us more than even.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re generous too,¡± the woman complimented with a smile. ¡°Except for Milo, who we adopted since birth, no other human has ever set foot inside Elmridge. But the fact that you would aid a Beastkin, no matter the circumstances, proves that you are deserving of our gratitude and hospitality.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we continue this conversation inside,¡± suggested Feng while pointing to a nearby mound. ¡°I think we¡¯ve kept the barrier deactivated long enough.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right,¡± the elder agreed, regressing into a state of dignified composure. ¡°Let¡¯s slip back into the veil.¡±

    Following her words, she tapped her wooden staff on the ground, which was adorned with a large blue orb at the top that was reminiscent of a mage¡¯s ancient relic.

    At the commanding gesture, the orb hummed with power, and a shimmering barrier gradually regenerated, like a delicate dance of mystical threads, cocooning Elmridge village once more in its hidden embrace.

    Daisuke watched in astonishment.

    ***

    The cavity inside the mound was more spacious than Daisuke expected, but comfort seemed like a foreign concept in the dwelling. The bare ground left the chamber susceptible to the merciless cold. Like the floor, the surrounding walls and ceiling lacked insulation. Wild plants and insects overran every surface, creating a makeshift ecosystem within the earthen abode.

    April cringed as she watched earthworms and centipedes crawling in and out of holes in the soil.

    According to the chief, this stark environment was a necessary sacrifice to keep the village hidden. The natural musk of the earth and its organic matter masked the scent of the people, focusing their lives on survival rather than comfort or societal development.

    April¡¯s stomach suddenly grumbled, and she squirmed uncomfortably on Daisuke¡¯s lap, but she didn¡¯t breathe a single word of complaint. Feng, Sylvia, Aldric, Mia, the elder, even her aides¡ªeveryone was evidently famished, yet openly ignored the violent demands of their stomachs.

    It was bizarre.

    ¡°Hungry?¡± Daisuke whispered to April, who responded with a meek pout.

    ¡°¡­So that¡¯s what happened,¡± sympathized Timartha after Elena recounted the last few weeks. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you three had to endure such hardships for the sake of the village.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Rexar responded flatly. ¡°Those hardships are the reason we managed to foster our current power.¡±

    ¡°I can clearly feel that you three have gotten significantly stronger,¡± said Feng with a satisfied smile. ¡°Rexar may actually be able to land a punch now.¡±

    ¡°Che,¡± Rexar clicked his tongue, arrogantly cocking his head to the side and brandishing his gauntlets. ¡°Whatever. Normally I would recklessly demand a duel with you, but I have to be careful with this new power or else I could accidentally hurt the people I love.¡±

    ¡°Whoa~¡± Aldric beamed at the boy¡¯s cool disposition. ¡°So cool~¡±

    "Pff! Ha-hah!" Feng burst out laughing, pointing at Rexar''s nose, which seemed to grow longer from the praise. ¡°Get a load of this guy. He falls into a dungeon for a few weeks and feels like he¡¯s suddenly grown a pair!¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Rexar¡¯s mature and composed demeanor crumpled as soon as it was established. ¡°Why you¡­ You wanna take this outside?¡±

    Ignoring the banter, Elena thought back to the fewer people she saw while entering the village. ¡°Was there¡­ another attack while we were away?¡±

    The question, and the grievous way it was proposed, dismissed the altercation between Rexar and Feng. They dejectedly settled back onto the cold floor, their gazes shifting to the elder as she composed herself to speak.

    ¡°¡­We were attacked a fortnight ago,¡± she admitted, her lips pressing to a thin line.

    Elena, Rexar, and Milo visibly tensed at the revelation.

    ¡°They didn¡¯t come from just one direction,¡± the elder continued, her frail fingers tightening around her staff. ¡°Like predators stalking their prey, they surrounded the village and attacked. Those of us who were incapable of fighting hid in the houses while the men struggled to drive them off.¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t drive them off,¡± corrected Sylvia in a mix of anger and grief. ¡°They simply had their fill and left.¡±

    There was a moment of stunned silence.

 CHAPTER 66: The Concealed Fairy

    ¡°If there¡¯s a barrier constantly surrounding the village, then how did the demons manage to infiltrate?¡±

    ¡°Well, technically,¡± Feng began, addressing Daisuke¡¯s question, ¡°it¡¯s not a barrier as much as it is a concealment spell. In other words, we can only hide our presence from the world but can¡¯t prevent unwanted intruders.¡±

    Without a word, Daisuke shifted his gaze to the staff and used the Eye of Verity.

    [Warden¡¯s Embrace]

    [Rank: Rare

    Type: Staff

    Melee Attack Power: 2 | Magical Attack Power: 72~81 | Durability: 21/42 | Accuracy: 37 | Mana Remaining: 32%

    The Warden¡¯s Embrace is a rare staff crowned with a mystical orb harvested from the Titanic Hermit Clam. This orb serves both as a reservoir of energy and an amplifier, containing a finite charge in the form of mana.

    The staff possesses a unique concealment spell, allowing the wielder to perfectly cloak themselves or a small area. However, this ability is limited, tied to the remaining energy in the orb. The orb¡¯s energy can be replenished by infusing mana into it, but each infusion permanently decreases the staff¡¯s durability by 1 until the orb eventually shatters.

    ?? Int +5

    ?? Mana Consumption -88%

    ?? Unlocks the ?Seamless Camouflage? skill.

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 8+ | Strength 1+ | Stamina 2+ | Intelligence 4]

    [Seamless Camouflage]

    [A spell that empowers the caster to shroud themselves, another individual, or a designated area, rendering them invisible and inaudible to the senses of onlookers. Activation of this spell consumes a fixed amount of mana, providing a potent veil of concealment.]

    ¡°From what I can tell,¡± declared Daisuke with a confident tone, ¡°the staff is essentially responsible for the concealment spell. But it looks like the orb is on the verge of running out of energy.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡­ how did you?¡±

    Feng looked from the flabbergasted chief to Daisuke with an amused smirk. ¡°Heh. Looks like you¡¯ve undergone quite a transformation since the last time I saw you.¡±

    Mia didn¡¯t seem entirely thrilled about that fact; she got a glimpse of Daisuke¡¯s power and couldn¡¯t help but think about the sacrifices he had to endure to attain it.

    ¡°You should hand the staff to Elena,¡± instructed Daisuke with a commanding air. ¡°She has the ability to recharge its power by infusing mana into it¡ªa power you clearly lack as a mage.¡±

    At the astonishment of the group, Timartha clutched the staff closer, a defensive frown creasing her forehead. ¡°This staff has been a treasured heirloom for many generations; it¡¯s strictly forbidden for anyone to possess it other than the village chief.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s frown deepened, yet his discontent couldn¡¯t match the outrage emanating from Sylvia. Before her anger could reach critical mass, Elena stepped forward, wearing an empathetic smile as she addressed the elder.

    ¡°Then keep the staff,¡± she suggested compassionately. ¡°Simply allow me a moment to touch it so that I can infuse it with my mana. The concealment spell is the lifeblood of the village; without its power, we all risk perishing at the hands of the demons.¡±

    The old woman, her wizened visage strained by paranoia, glanced at the orb atop the staff, now a mere echo of its former luster. ¡°Forgive me,¡± she apologized, her raccoon ears sagging with shame. ¡°This staff belonged to my late daughter; after losing her, it became not only a means to protect the village¡­ but also a way for me to remember her.¡±

    Daisuke noted as Sylvia clenched her fists, struggling to mask the hint of hate in her eyes. But no one else noticed as they were all focused on Elena as she gently rested her fingertips on the periwinkle-colored orb and started channeling her mana into it.

    Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°¡­How many injured are there?¡±

    While all eyes remained on Elena, Milo broached a topic that everyone seemed to be avoiding. Elena finished the process in time to step back and observe the miserable expressions on everyone¡¯s faces.

    ***

    In a dimly lit mound that acted as a ward, injured Beastfolk lay upon beds of straw, their clothes stained with blood. Moans of pain echoed in the confined space, creating an atmosphere of suffering. Families huddled around their wounded loved ones, attempting to provide comfort in the midst of despair.

    April covered her ears and buried her face in Mia¡¯s clothes as they were consumed by the depressing scene.

    It looks like some of the women, children, and elderly weren¡¯t able to find refuge in time, thought Daisuke somberly.

    A young Beastkin with a bandaged arm cried out, ¡°Please, someone make it stop! It hurts so much!¡±

    Next to him, an elderly woman whispered through gritted teeth, ¡°I can¡¯t bear it¡­ help me¡­ please.¡±

    A frightened child, her eyes wide with terror, whimpered, ¡°Mommy, it hurts! I¡¯m scared!¡±

    Families moved frantically between the injured, offering words of solace and reassurance. A grief-stricken father clutched the hand of his unconscious son, whispering words of love, ¡°Please hold on a bit longer. We¡¯ll find a way to heal you.¡±

    In a corner, a mother wept over the lifeless body of her kin, overwhelmed by loss. ¡°No, no, not you,¡± she sobbed, her grief echoing through the dwelling.

    Daisuke passed a glance over all the Beastfolk as they grappled with misfortune, their stomachs protesting with hunger, a cruel reminder of the dual hardships they faced. And he could completely relate.

    In the real world, every day was a struggle to make ends meet and he was always mentally exhausted. Every month his landlord was at his door, verbally lashing out at him about his overdue rent.

    And when he wasn¡¯t being threatened to be thrown out onto the street, he remembered constantly living in fear of the loan sharks¡¯ fury. He didn¡¯t know when they would storm into his home or work and ruthlessly break every bone in his body.

    He was justified in his terror, for the gruesome event did occur, albeit with only one bone broken instead of all of them. However, the overall trauma of the experience remained unchanged.

    Even after being trapped in the game, and as recently as a week ago, he found himself haunted by nightmares of the ordeal. A persistent sense of being watched and pursued by an unfathomable presence weighed heavily on his mind. Yet, he recognized that these feelings could be attributed to the anxiety and paranoia stemming from the traumatic experience.

    But the Beastkin¡¯s pursuers were undoubtedly real; they were a race that was despised and unwanted by the rest of the world. Their only value was being hunted for sport or being sold into slavery¡ªand even those who managed to secure legitimate jobs were disrespected and abused beyond measure.

    Daisuke more or less knew what he was getting himself into by borrowing money from a shady organization, but demihumans as a race did absolutely nothing to deserve such a miserable fate. It was detestable.

    ¡°¡­Milo,¡± instructed Daisuke tellingly.

    ¡°Way ahead of you.¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± Feng intervened as the healer stepped forward. ¡°The reason we didn¡¯t ask for your aid is because we know you¡¯re only able to heal just one person before running out of mana.¡±

    ¡°And deciding who that one person is would stir turmoil among the people,¡± added Timartha.

    ¡°Just be quiet and watch,¡± asserted Daisuke.

    Mia looked on in anticipation, and April pulled back her head to peek.

    Milo unfurled his arms and closed his eyes, an incantation forming on his lips. ¡°O divine one, source of eternal light, let your healing grace descend like gentle rain. In your benevolence, weave the threads of restoration, banishing affliction with the whispered breath of rejuvenation. Area Heal!¡±

    At his solemn prayer, a warm, golden light cascaded from above, accompanied by the resonant tolling of enchanting bells. Shimmering feathers descended like leaves in a gentle wind, transforming the somber atmosphere. The pained groans of those gripped by grief and agony changed into gasps of astonishment and wonder as their wounds began to heal.

    Families looked on in a mixture of surprise and glee, their expressions shifting from despair to hopeful disbelief. Yet, amidst the awe, Daisuke, Elena, and Rexar maintained their composure knowing full well what their comrade was capable of. As the others stood dumbfounded, their collective gaze converged on Milo, who scratched his cheek with an embarrassed smile.

    While a crowd of grateful Beastfolk surrounded and praised him wholeheartedly, Timartha approached Daisuke and bowed. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said earnestly, tears pooling in her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s thanks to your tutelage that these kids have become such promising individuals. Like Milo, you¡¯ve become a part of our family; we are eternally in your debt.¡±

    Surmising the gist of the situation, all the Beastfolk followed suit and deeply bowed their heads in gratitude.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me,¡± remarked Daisuke while sheepishly tousling the back of his head. ¡°Their growth is mostly a result of the love and commitment they have for their home and people.¡±

    Elena and Milo blushed, while Rexar¡¯s nose was growing even longer and pointer.

    ¡°That reminds me,¡± said Daisuke while looking down at April, then he shifted his gaze to Timartha. ¡°You mentioned that Milo and I are the only humans in the village¡­ but what about April?¡±

    The woman¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, then she passed an uncertain glance across the others before holding Daisuke¡¯s curious gaze anew. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not exactly sure how to say this, but April is¡­ not human. She¡¯s actually a fairy.¡±

    The Beastfolk in the background gasped in astonishment.

    ¡°A fairy?¡± exclaimed Daisuke as he glanced down at the little girl again, trying to decipher the truth of it. ¡°But she looks completely human to me.¡±

    Before he could activate the Eye of Verity¡ª

    ¡°It¡¯s because she¡¯s only half fairy,¡± Sylvia clarified, wary of Daisuke¡¯s response. ¡°As she gets a bit older, her powers will slowly start to manifest.¡±

    ¡°Big Brother,¡± April squeaked, her large round eyes gleaming with a sea of emotions. ¡°Do you¡­ hate me now?¡±

 CHAPTER 67: The Ties that Bind â€“ Healing and Celebration

    Daisuke lightly flicked her forehead, and April covered the ache with her tiny hands, tears tipping her chestnut eyes.

    ¡°Only jerks would hate or bully people just because they¡¯re different,¡± Daisuke responded. ¡°Being a fairy doesn¡¯t change the way that I feel about you.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s response elicited smiles from everyone. April joyfully threw herself into his arms, but her delight turned to embarrassment when her stomach emitted a loud growl of hunger. In an almost comical sequence, the collective rumbling of everyone¡¯s stomachs echoed in unison, and cheeks began to blush in shared embarrassment.

    Daisuke laughed.

    Rexar clutched his stomach with a pained expression. ¡°Come to think of it, we left Wonderelle shortly after escaping the dungeon.¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t had a bite to eat in nearly two days,¡± Milo, drained from depleting his mana, groaned, his soul seemingly departing through his wide-open mouth.

    Zephyr was slumped lifelessly over Daisuke¡¯s shoulder, a pink tongue sticking out of his mouth.

    ¡°Your bodies may be all healed up now,¡± said Daisuke to the people, ¡°but to fully recover, you all need to have full bellies and plenty of rest.¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Timartha began, ¡°you don¡¯t mean¡ª¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll prepare a feast big enough for everyone,¡± Daisuke confirmed, and the Beastfolk started salivating at the thought.

    ¡°No, stop! We haven¡¯t gone out to forage since the village was raided by the demons,¡± the woman asserted hotly. ¡°That sacrifice will be utterly in vain if you start a fire.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± said Feng in agreement. ¡°The smoke from the fire and the smell of cooking food will attract monsters and even the remainder of the demons that still lurk in the forest.¡±

    ¡°You guys obviously have never been inside of a dungeon before,¡± Rexar defended haughtily. ¡°I¡¯ve seen the demons, and they are nothing compared to what we¡¯ve faced for the past few weeks.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± Milo agreed confidently. ¡°I¡¯m sure even Zephyr would be able to take all the demons by himself.¡±

    ¡°Kiyuu~¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous!¡± Timartha retorted, but when she noted that the warriors¡¯ expressions didn¡¯t change, she knew that they were being very serious.

    ¡°Haxks and Zephyr have done more than enough for us already,¡± Elena chimed in with a smile. ¡°As our honored guests, we¡¯ll be responsible for handling any monsters or demons that may appear.¡±

    Timartha sighed, passing a glance over the disheveled and emaciated figures of her people. She couldn¡¯t tell the last time any one of them had a proper meal; their diets had mostly consisted of mushrooms, fruits, and vegetables, which was hardly enough for them to maintain good health.

    ¡°Very well,¡± she reluctantly conceded. ¡°But if the worst happens, you and your kin can be prepared to be haunted by me until the end of time.¡±

    The Beastfolk erupted in cheers, and Daisuke couldn¡¯t help but cringe, uncertain whether their joy stemmed from the promise of being fed or the grim and horrible fate he might face if he got them all killed.

    ***

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the landscape in the warm hues of twilight, the flickering flames beneath a sizable pot cast a glow on the faces of the eager village folk.

    Elena led a cohort of capable women in the peeling and cutting of carrots and potatoes¡ªgenerously supplied from a certain someone¡¯s well-stocked inventory¡ªto add a touch of richness to the bubbling stew in the pot. The air carried the fragrant aroma of ingredients harmoniously merging, creating an enticing symphony for the senses.

    Meanwhile, Daisuke meticulously carved monstron, fish, and vegetables into bite-sized portions. Nearby, a group of men crafted skewers from tree branches, which were used to prepare kebabs.

    Once the preparation of the food was complete, the feast was arranged on a long table adorned with freshly baked bread and an array of ripe fruits. The eager Beastfolk, their tails wagging in unison, formed a neat line with plates in hand, their anticipation palpable as they awaited their turn to be served.

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Tentative bites gave way to audible sighs of delight, and soon, murmurs of appreciation began to ripple through the people. A few, their eyes glistening, couldn¡¯t hold back tears as they savored each flavorful morsel.

    ¡°I-It¡¯s delicious¡­ is this real? I never thought I¡¯d taste something so wonderful,¡± whispered a young woman, wiping away a tear that traced a path down her cheek.

    A middle-aged man, with a hearty laugh between bites, exclaimed, ¡°I forgot how good it feels to be full. Bless the hands that prepared this feast!¡±

    ¡°This¡­ this tastes like a dream,¡± whispered Sylvia with glee. ¡°How is it so delicious? I never imagined I¡¯d taste something this good again.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s like a taste of heaven after all this time,¡± Timartha admitted candidly, her thin lips pulling up into a smile.

    Tears welled up in Mia¡¯s eyes. ¡°His cooking has only become better with time,¡± she admitted in a bittersweet tone. ¡°I wish the others were here to enjoy this with me.¡±

    ¡°This is more than food,¡± Aldric exclaimed while wailing excessively. ¡°It¡¯s a blessing!¡±

    For the first time in weeks, the children wore contented smiles on their lips. Those who had satisfied their hunger ran and played with Zephyr and April in tow.

    In the midst of effusive displays of gratitude to Daisuke, the adults, overcome with a newfound lightness, burst into spontaneous song and dance around the crackling fire. Their harmonious voices, heightened by the magic of the night, echoed beneath the starry sky as the Beastfolk celebrated with abandon. In this jubilant moment, hunger and despair gave way to a feast of happiness and hope.

    ***

    An owl-like creature, wrapped in impressive white plumage, majestically perched on a nearby tree, seemingly observing the celebrations of the village folk.

    Sylvia, captivated by the crisp night air, inhaled deeply, savoring the melody of insect screeches that resonated above the distant singing. Her eyes, half-lidded in wonder, gazed upwards at the billows of clouds that momentarily eclipsed the half moon, creating a spectacle that added an extra layer of magic to the night.

    ¡°I was wondering where you ran off to,¡± said Daisuke by means of greeting. ¡°Is everything okay?¡±

    Sylvia shifted her gaze back into the distance, only to note that her feathered spectator was gone. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she replied with a failed attempt at wholeheartedness. ¡°I just have a lot on my mind is all.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyebrows knitted shrewdly. ¡°Is it related to the indignation you were feeling earlier?¡±

    Sylvia¡¯s lips twitched in response, and there was a prolonged moment of silence.

    ¡°Sorry¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to pry. Forget I asked.¡±

    Before he could turn to leave, Sylvia¡¯s lips parted. ¡°The village chief is my grandmother¡­¡±

    ¡°Huh? Then does that mean¡­¡±

    Sylvia nodded her head morosely. ¡°The daughter she lost was my mother.¡±

    ¡°¡­The demons?¡±

    She nodded once more. ¡°After mom died, I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of staying here. I convinced myself that my departure was driven mainly by the need to find a solution for the waning power of the magic staff. Yet, deep down, I think I was simply running away from the overwhelming grief¡ªperhaps to find another sanctuary, or maybe just to defy my grandmother. Whatever the case, I felt an urgent need to escape from this place.¡±

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry,¡± Daisuke murmured with genuine sympathy, ¡°for both the loss of your mother and for bringing up painful memories.¡±

    Sylvia heaved a wan smile. ¡°My mother was the previous village chief, and much like my grandmother, they were both hopelessly stuck in their ways.¡±

    Daisuke suddenly remembered when the woman refused to hand over the Warden¡¯s Staff to Elena.

    ¡°Despite losing their loved ones to war and strife, both my mother and grandmother stubbornly clung to this forest that has witnessed generations of Beastfolk. I just can¡¯t understand it,¡± she exclaimed, clenching her fists. ¡°If we can¡¯t win against the demons, then why do we stay when hiding isn¡¯t even enough? Are lives worth less than sentimentality?¡±

    Daisuke approached the fence where Sylvia stood, peering into the moonlit forest. ¡°I can¡¯t bring back those lost to the demon raids,¡± he said, his voice soft. ¡°But I¡¯ll do everything in my power to uncover why the demons keep coming. I¡¯ll ensure you won¡¯t need to run away again.¡±

    Sylvia¡¯s eyes quivered as she took in Daisuke¡¯s profile. He had to be a least five years younger than her, and yet his words carried such weight and reassurance. ¡°Why would you risk your life for ours?¡±

    Daisuke blinked, turning the full might of his confident, butterscotch eyes on her. ¡°Zephyr, April, and Mia are the only family I have left. You and Feng kept your promise to protect them, even in the face of adversity, so it¡¯s only right that I return the favor.¡±

    Sylvia beamed at his words. But you¡¯ve already done more than enough, she thought inwardly, knowing that articulating the words wouldn¡¯t have swayed him from his course.

    ¡°By the way,¡± said Daisuke, ¡°do you remember that girl in the hooded cloak¡ª¡±

    ¡°Who never spoke and always kept to herself?¡± added Sylvia knowingly. ¡°She disappeared when we left the manor.¡±

    Daisuke frowned.

    ¡°I vividly remember her fleeing into the forest with us, but the next time we got a moment to do a headcount of the children, she was already missing.¡±

    ¡°Did she intentionally slip away or¡ª"

    Sylvia shook her head sadly. ¡°It¡¯s hard to say; since she¡¯s never uttered a single word to anyone, we were never able to get a fix on her personality or ambitions.¡±

    GROWL~

    The tension suddenly dispersed when Sylvia¡¯s stomach protested loudly, and Daisuke chuckled, much to the woman¡¯s embarrassment.

    ¡°Your thoughts have settled now, right?¡±

    Sylvia nodded, her cheeks still hot.

    ¡°You should head back and eat before all the food is gone.¡±

    ¡°H-Hn,¡± she nodded like a child. ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be a minute.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Alone, Daisuke summoned his status window to appraise the items that had dropped from Osten and his cronies during their ill-fated attempt to PK them just outside the dungeon.

 CHAPTER 68: The Mysterious Mountain

    [Whispering Gale Ring]

    [Rating: Rare

    Durability: 4/6 | Magical Defense: +4.8% | Magical & Physical Balance: +5.5%

    A dainty ring featuring an intricate swirl pattern, reminiscent of a gentle breeze.

    ?? Movement Speed +7

    ?? Critical Hit Rate +9%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 18+]

    [Ember Bracelet]

    [Rating: Rare

    Durability: 5/6 | Magical Defense: +4.4% | Magical & Physical Balance: +5.7%

    Forged in the fiery depths of a volcano, this bracelet radiates with the fury of the flames.

    ?? Strength +4

    ?? Fire Damage Resistance +10%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 18+]

    [Harmony Pendant]

    [Rating: Rare

    Durability: 5/6 | Magical Defense: +4.3% | Magical & Physical Balance: +5.6%

    A delicate necklace adorned with a luminescent crystal that radiates a soothing aura. It grants a sense of equilibrium to the wearer.

    ?? HP Regen Speed +5%

    ?? Evasion Rate +6%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 18+]

    [Phantom Cloak]

    [Rating: Rare

    Type: Cloak | Garment

    Durability: 99/100 | Physical Defense: 3 | Magical Defense: 4 | Evasion Rate: +2

    Made from the steely fibers of the elusive Shadoweave Spider, the Phantom Cloak is more than a mere garment; it¡¯s a shroud of mystery that veils the wearer¡¯s intentions, enabling them to navigate the shadows discreetly. It whispers tales of unseen assassins and elusive rogues, making it a coveted asset for those who thrive in the art of secrecy.

    ?? Conceals facial features

    ?? Conceals criminal status

    ?? Increases stealth capabilities

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 21+ | Strength 16+ | Stamina 10+]

    Daisuke chuckled. ¡°It seems like Osten and his friends get a kick out of generously giving me their items for free. I''ll have to remember to thank him next time we meet.¡±

    Fffp!

    The dark navy-blue cloak materialized on his body, its jagged hem fluttering as it settled at his heels. In a fluid motion, he pulled back the fur-lined hood before disabling the visibility of the newly equipped accessories.

    Mmm,¡± he mused, cupping his chin. ¡°I think I picked up a quest during that encounter. Let¡¯s see what it says¡­¡±

    [Defying the Odds]

    [Quest Difficulty: Unknown

    Diligently sharpening your mind, body, and soul, you now stand at the threshold of a profound decision. Having attained proficiency in both martial arts and magic, the time has come to chart a new course and focus on a path that leads to both destiny and mastery.

    Clear Conditions: Defeat a monster on your own with high physical damage resistance that is at least 10 levels above your own.

    Rewards:

    ?? The opportunity to select a class of your choice

    ?? EXP +350,000

    Quest Failure:

    ?? Level -1

    ?? Reduction in quest rewards]

    ¡°Figured I¡¯d have to work for it,¡± murmured Daisuke with a tinge of exasperation. ¡°I guess whether it¡¯s in the real world or this one, you have to put in the effort before you get any rewards.¡±

    He sighed noisily, palming his face. ¡°It would¡¯ve been nice if I had received this quest before taking down the Volturax though¡ªit would have been like killing two birds with one stone. Either way, I''ve got to tackle this quest; considering the fact that I''ve been investing all my Stats Points into Agility and Stamina, I need to boost my physical combat ability any way I can. Plus, I''ve got new weapons on my shopping list, so I should definitely visit the blacksmith now that I''ve saved up some gold.¡±

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡°Big brother,¡± April called with infectious joy, playfully chasing Zephyr in a circle. She was joined by Aldric and a host of other children reveling in the fun. ¡°Where did you go? You¡¯re missing out on all the fun!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know a party¡¯s dull without its host?¡± Mia teased from a distance, flanked by Elena, Rexar, and Milo, all wearing gentle smiles that echoed her sentiment.

    Daisuke turned with a smirk, his heart warming at the scene. But a part of him¡ªthe part that was cynical and extremely conservative after being abused and betrayed, briefly overlapped the joyous group with the traitors at Dusthaven. But he quickly shook off the thought and took a step forward, hesitantly deciding to confide in people just one more time.

    The scene unfurled within the vast, wondrous eyes of the owl-like creature, perched amidst the lofty heights of the trees. All of a sudden, under the night¡¯s veil, a humanoid figure, its silhouette flickering ominously, greedily bore razor sharp teeth and fell upon the unsuspecting spectator.

    Death unfolded in a quiet flurry. Breaking bones and rending flesh arrested the night in a dark requiem. The once snow-white feathers of the bird were now stained a haunting crimson red as the creature ravenously feasted.

    But the meager meal wasn¡¯t enough to slake its insatiable hunger. Unsatisfied, the abomination turned the full brunt of its malevolent gaze toward the tempting feeding ground that had just conveniently manifested.

    ***

    HWIIIING~

    Hundreds of feet above ground, the wind gusted, whipping across the rugged mountain face where Rexar clung desperately. Whimpers escaped his chattering teeth involuntarily, his gaze fixed downward as he scaled the sheer cliff, wrestling with the thought of the dizzying height.

    ¡°T-This is ten times worse than the dungeon,¡± he whined shamelessly, his face drained of color. ¡°Why did I ever agree to do this?!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be a baby,¡± reprimanded Elena, her presence uncomfortably close for Rexar¡¯s liking. ¡°If we don¡¯t do this, the demon raids will never end.¡±

    ¡°A-About that,¡± Milo began with a sheepish tone as he gingerly inched along a narrow ledge. ¡°Are you sure it was a good idea to leave only Zephyr behind in the village? I hope you realize I wasn¡¯t being serious when I said he could handle the demons alone.¡±

    ¡°Relax. Zephyr¡¯s stronger than you give him credit for,¡± reassured Daisuke. ¡°Besides, if there¡¯s an attack, I¡¯ll know right away.¡± Zephyr¡¯s HP bar will start going down, he thought mentally, his gaze fixed on the gauge. If he starts receiving damage, I¡¯ll be able to tell. And if I run back to the village at full speed, I should be able to get there before things spiral out of control.

    ¡°B-By the way,¡± Rexar continued his rant, fingers gripping tighter as the wind gained momentum. ¡°How exactly¡­ are you so sure that the mountain is the source of the demons?¡±

    ¡°¡­Do you remember the negative energy we felt when we first entered Fleecia Forest?¡± asked Daisuke.

    The trio collectively revisited the memory, a shiver crawling down their spines.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you realize that ominous energy is gone even though we¡¯re this close to the mountain?¡±

    Rexar pondered that for a second. ¡°Now that you mention it¡­¡± The only discomfort I feel right now is just my fear of heights.

    ¡°Why do you suppose that is?¡± inquired Milo.

    Elena¡¯s arched eyebrow conveyed her curiosity. ¡°Wasn¡¯t that bad feeling just¡­ well, a figment of our imagination?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not,¡± asserted Daisuke. ¡°It¡¯s likely the result of a spell that only takes effect when the targets are at a distance.¡±

    The trio withheld their questions as they cautiously followed Daisuke onto a flat section of ground protruding from the sheer cliff. The moment Rexar secured himself on the ledge, he sank to his knees, gathering his sanity amid the swirling winds.

    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Daisuke declared with an air of certainty.

    ¡°Is that supposed to make me feel better,¡± scoffed Rexar.

    ¡°Where is here, exactly?¡± asked Elena, her gaze sweeping the surroundings.

    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t see anything,¡± added Milo.

    ¡°Do you have a secret stash of beer in that magic bag of yours?¡± quipped Rexar. ¡°You must be tipsy if you think there¡¯s anything up here.¡±

    Ignoring the remark, Daisuke casually approached the mountain¡¯s face and said, ¡°It seems like the demons are flexing their own concealment spell.¡±

    Elena and Milo winced.

    ¡°Spell?¡± Rexar exclaimed, pushing himself to his feet. ¡°That can¡¯t be right¡­ the demons that I remember were like goblins; they were savages.¡±

    ¡°Who said we were only dealing with demons?¡± said Daisuke as his hand gradually slipped into the wall as if it were made of liquid.

    ¡°What tha¡ª¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s not just demons,¡± whispered Elena, sealing Rexar¡¯s mouth shut with both hands, ¡°does that mean people are involved?¡±

    ¡°But how would people benefit from harming a humble village like ours?¡± Milo began in a hushed tone. ¡°And how does one even control a demon anyway?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s precisely what we¡¯re here to find out,¡± replied Daisuke as his foot slipped into the mysterious veil.

    Rexar pulled Elena¡¯s hands away with a frown. ¡°But you¡­ how were you able to see through the spell?¡±

    ¡°¡­It¡¯s his eyes,¡± Elena surmised, her gaze fixed on Daisuke¡¯s face as he disappeared into the mountain.

    ¡°The elder once told a story about a legendary sorcerer in possession of one of the many Evil Eyes,¡± informed Milo. ¡°Apparently, each one is supposed to have a different special ability.¡±

    ¡°Evil Eye? Then doesn¡¯t that mean Haxks is a much more amazing person than we thought?¡± Rexar marveled in astonishment.

    Behind the curtain veiling the cave, two sturdy metal rods were driven deep into the ground, securing long ropes tethered to them. These ropes, now coiled on the cave floor, hinted at their use for scaling the mountain.

    A concealment spell likely shrouded them while on the outside¡ªand the fact that they were currently stowed away suggested that someone or something currently lurked within the cave.

    ¡°I-I can¡¯t believe you managed to find this place,¡± muttered Milo, entering the chamber alongside Rexar and Elena.

    Daisuke frowned. If it wasn¡¯t for sheer coincidence and the Eye of Verity, this place may have never been found.

    Mana Crystals illuminated the cavern that was reminiscent of an old mine. An infrastructure made of wood supported the walls and ceiling. The glow from the crystals cast a blue light on pickaxes that lay beside heaps of rock and pebbles excavated from the walls.

    ¡°Are they mining the mountain?¡± pondered Elena.

    ¡°Sure looks that way,¡± replied Rexar. ¡°But who are they exactly?¡±

    ¡°Enough questions,¡± urged Daisuke. ¡°We may have already alerted the landlords, so we need to move quickly before they can put any more measures in place that could hold us back. The ground is littered with booby-traps, so stick together and follow my lead.¡±

    Everyone nodded in agreement.

    ¡°People generally only lay traps when there¡¯s something worth protecting,¡± continued Daisuke. ¡°Let¡¯s go and find out what that something is.¡±

    Utilizing the Eye of Verity, Daisuke effortlessly discerned the traps buried and concealed within the cavern. It was as if he gazed through the lens of a UV light, capturing the luminous imprints of magic lingering on the devices.

    As they navigated what was akin to a perilous mine field, Rexar, drawn to the attractive glint of silver, copper, and other traces of metals in the small mounds of rocks shewn across the ground, misplaced a step and triggered a trap.

    GULP!

    He swallowed when he heard the ominous click from the pressure-induced trap. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple. Everyone froze as a dark dread unfurled in their stomach. Daisuke held onto his composure, his head flitting around as he scanned the surroundings.

    Suddenly, from the shadows, a masked figure draped in garments as dark as night lunged towards Rexar wielding a menacing curved blade.

    ¡°An assassin?¡± Rexar exclaimed in horror, his body petrified under the man¡¯s bloodthirsty gaze.

    Before the Wolkfin could react, seemingly without reason, Daisuke kicked him in the back, sending him stumbling forward. Elena and Milo watched in shock as their companion was inexplicably sentenced to a grim fate.

    Time slowed as Rexar¡¯s horrified eyes reflected the gleaming blade aimed at his forehead, promising a swift and painful demise.

 CHAPTER 69: Predator Becomes the Prey

    After partaking of the sweet nectar from a flower, a lone butterfly gracefully takes flight, soaring into a nearby tree. Its wings, adorned with colors that seamlessly blend with the foliage, conceal it within the branches.

    Suddenly, the unforgiving laws of nature bore its fangs and the innocent creature unwittingly fell prey to a silky prison¡ªa perfectly woven spider web.

    Zephyr let out a contented yawn, comfortably sprawled out on his stomach in the lush grass. In addition to the canine¡¯s reassuring presence, the Beastfolk community, overjoyed by the survival of Rexar, Elena, and Milo, exuded a renewed sense of enthusiasm and confidence.

    Temporarily forsaking their mound-like dwellings, they embraced the beauty of nature within the embrace of the barrier. As children frolicked in play, the adults were busy using ingredients that Daisuke left behind to make a celebratory feast in preparation for the heroes¡¯ return from the mountain.

    While her people reveled in the absence of fear, Timartha shifted her attention to the lounging wolf pup with little faith. However, it was Sylvia who voiced her concerns.

    ¡°Is it really wise to entrust our lives to this wolf?¡± she muttered anxiously as the canine playfully rolled over, exposing its furry underbelly. ¡°It¡¯s obviously an infant.¡±

    Feng, Timartha, and her two female aides were visibly perturbed by the question.

    ¡°Why do you think Haxks and the others went to the mountain?¡± asked Mia.

    ¡°¡­To put a stop to the demons once and for all,¡± responded Aldric as he joined the scene.

    ¡°But to what end?¡± Mia continued.

    ¡°To protect the village,¡± one of Timartha¡¯s aides replied.

    ¡°I¡¯ve known Haxks since we were kids,¡± admitted Mia, reminiscing. ¡°But now that I think about it, he never behaved like a child¡ªhe was always calm and calculating, like an adult. It was his leadership that ensured a lot of children could eat.¡±

    Mia shifted her gaze from the eager group to the sunbathing pup. ¡°Exterminating the demons would be pointless if the village is destroyed in the process. Haxks knows this, which is why I¡¯m sure Zephyr may be some sort of secret weapon.¡±

    ¡°For your sake, child¡­ and all of ours,¡± Timartha began as the pup chased his tail, ¡°I really hope that you¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°Will Big Brother and the others really be okay?¡± April asked in a melancholic tone, looking toward the distant mountain.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll be fine,¡± reassured Feng with a smile. ¡°After what they went through in the dungeon, it¡¯s clear that they¡¯re leagues above your average adventurer.¡±

    April turned her gaze toward Mia questioningly, and the girl nodded in agreement. ¡°He¡¯s right¡ªI¡¯m sure our Big Brother is more than capable of handling a bunch of demons,¡± she said while stroking the girl¡¯s hair.

    All of a sudden, Zephyr pushed to his feet with an urgency that caught everyone¡¯s attention. Raising his nose skyward, the canine sniffed the air with a grunt, his fur bristling as he noted the stench of something sinister and fast approaching.

    ¡°Ruff!¡± the pup barked, a warning that needed no translation.

    Without hesitation, Feng sprinted toward the adults, vigorously waving his arms. ¡°It¡¯s the demons!¡± he roared. ¡°Get back to your houses! Hurry!¡±

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    Sylvia and Mia hastily herded the kids back to their families who were reluctant to retreat otherwise. Then they hurried back to Timartha and her aides who were frozen in place.

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Sylvia called breathlessly, clutching the woman¡¯s arm. ¡°What¡¯re you doing? We need to get away!¡±

    ¡°Do you all have a death wish?!¡± Feng snapped. ¡°We don¡¯t have much time! We need to get back to the mound!¡±

    ¡°To what end exactly?¡± Timartha protested. ¡°If the demons manage to raid again, Elmridge is finished.¡±

    Sharing her sentiments, the few men who remained following the multiple waves of invasions in the past, arrived on the scene. They were all firmly gripping their age-old farming equipment.

    ¡°We have to offer support to the wolf in whatever way we can,¡± Timartha urged, rallying the villagers. ¡°If he falls, the entire village goes along with him!¡±

    ¡°My boy was on the brink of death until Milo healed him,¡± one man began, waving his pitchfork. ¡°I¡¯ll be damned before I let him get hurt again!¡±

    ¡°My daughter is all I have left,¡± another man murmured angrily. ¡°I won¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t afford to lose her too.¡±

    As tensions boiled among the villagers, Zephyr scanned his surroundings with faculties that people couldn¡¯t even begin to fathom. A howl laced with the Antagonize skill had the demons stopping in their tracks.

    Instead of surrounding the village and seeping through the concealment barrier from all directions, they all gushed into the village like a virus from a malignant wound, stampeding toward the source of the infuriating howl.

    The village folk flinched back in trepidation. Memories of the demons¡¯ fiendish deeds and the grief they caused painted a foe in the hearts of the people that was more horrendous than it really was.

    Creatures a few inches taller than goblins charged into the village in droves. The horns on their heads encompassed the space where eye sockets should have been.

    A hard exoskeleton carved sharp teeth in the gaping hole that was their mouths, and their gnarled and emaciated bodies had incandescent veins running through them like the magma of a volcano.

    Timartha fell to her knees.

    ¡°Th-There¡¯s too many of them,¡± a man stuttered.

    ¡°We¡¯re sorely outnumbered,¡± another muttered.

    April clung to Mia in fright, and Aldric stood defensively in front of them. Sylvia laced her fingers and began to pray while Feng grounded his teeth in frustration as he clutched a worn-out sword that had seen better days.

    Zephyr held his ground as the creatures drew nearer. Their eerie screeches and menacing claws did little to deter the canine. His hackles became more erect as he took a deep breath, then from his snout, a sea of flames unfurled like a tidal wave, mercilessly consuming the demons like flint to a raging fire.

    The villagers looked on in abject shock, even more so when Zephyr lazily sprawled out on his belly in the grass again.

    ¡°H-He really was able to defeat them all on his own,¡± murmured Timartha in a dumbfounded tone.

    Noting the telling vibrations rippling through its web, a monstrous spider slowly began encroaching upon the struggling butterfly, only to be ensnared and devoured by a creature resembling a praying mantis.

    ***

    Hundreds of thoughts surged through Rexar¡¯s mind¡ªtraitor isn¡¯t one he particularly wanted to consider. But the unsettling notion of betrayal clawed its way to the forefront of his mind as the assassin¡¯s blade traced a deadly path toward his face. The lingering hum of pain from Daisuke¡¯s boot in his back served as a haunting reminder that his impending demise was an outcome of his friend¡¯s intervention. However, just before his head was split in twain¡ª

    PUOK-PUOK-PUOK!

    Three darts, smeared in a suspicious purple liquid, flew over his head and embedded themselves in the far side of the wall. Elena and Milo were caught in a whirlwind of astonishment while Rexar awkwardly collapsed on his face like a discarded rug.

    With hands casually tucked in his pockets, Daisuke leisurely lowered his leg. ¡°The assassin was just an illusion.¡±

    ¡°Shifting attention away from the genuine threat,¡± Milo clarified in alarm as his gaze darted to the other side of the wall that now revealed a series of holes that hadn¡¯t existed moments before. ¡°While the intruder fixates on the illusion, they¡¯re fatally wounded by the physical weapons concealed in the walls.¡±

    ¡°And by the looks of it,¡± Elena observed with a frown, watching a droplet of the ominous liquid fall from the metallic dart to the ground. ¡°It¡¯s obvious that the projectiles are coated in poison.¡±

    Rexar raised his head, spitting out the dirt that had gotten into his mouth. Then with a rueful expression, he looked up at Daisuke who was now crouched down in front of him.

    ¡°¡­Sorry, I messed up.¡±

    Daisuke flicked his forehead. ¡°No one got hurt this time, but we may not be as lucky next time. Follow my lead and try not to be led astray.¡±

    Rexar hung his head dejectedly, but he nodded in understanding before casting Elena and Milo a repentant gaze. But instead of an accusing expression, the duo smiled supportively, which brought back a tinge of color to Rexar¡¯s face.

 CHAPTER 70: The Mhaledictus

    Hands of various sizes busily worked the mines of a dimly lit carven. Callused hands gripped pickaxes and shovels while blackened, cracked, and blistered fingers restlessly loaded rocks and dirt into buckets that were being carried off to be filtered for precious metals and stones.

    The crack of a whip by an impatient overseer was both a driving force and a stark reminder for the slaving Beastfolk that the lives of freedom they once enjoyed was but a distant memory. Now, it almost seemed like a dream.

    Emaciated and dehydrated, a small child helplessly keeled over. The pair of pales that hung from a length of wood across his shoulder fell to the ground with a clatter, spilling the contents onto the roughed cave floor.

    The racket, in a bizarre way, was a sound more unnerving than even the crack of the whip. The whip, for the most part, was a symbol of authority and control¡ªbut in the wake of a blunder, it quickly transformed into a frightening tool with which to administer severe punishment.

    WHUU-PISHH!

    The whip lashed out with dark purpose, peeling the flesh from the back of an old man who defensively threw himself over the helpless boy.

    ¡°Gra-Grandpa!¡± the boy cried out frantically, his grandfather¡¯s pained grunt weighing heavily on his heart.

    The other Beastfolk looked on like frightened sheep. Bound by cuffs, it was virtually impossible for them to rebel against the wicked tyrant.

    A middle-aged man, obviously the bravest of the lot, looked down at his shackles with a furious frown. Even if their limbs were free, they wouldn¡¯t have had enough energy to fight back as they had received little to no food and water since they were imprisoned and forced into manual labor.

    The overseer had made it quite clear that¡ª

    ¡°You ungrateful mongrels! After giving your insignificant lives meaning, this is how you repay me?¡±

    Everyone stiffened at the venomous words.

    ¡°¡­Water.¡±

    Out of the silence, a small voice courageously spoke up.

    ¡°If we had some food and water¡ª¡±

    WHUU-PISHH!

    The man cracked his whip again, enraged by the child¡¯s outspoken manner. And once again, the old man used his body to shield his grandson at the alarm of the others.

    ¡°You impertinent little shit!¡± the overseer barked, completely disregarding the old man who had an uncanny resemblance to a dried-out mummy. ¡°I expect you to work yourselves to death! That¡¯s the purpose I¡¯ve given to your worthless lives! Don¡¯t you get it?¡± he said as he unmercifully kicked the child aside. ¡°Food and water would be wasted on your kind!¡±

    Despite the visible discomfort of the Beastfolk, the man reached down to clutch the bloodied and motionless elder by the neck and lifted him clear off the ground as if he weighed less than a leaf.

    Despair soared among the Beastfolk as they noted the direction in which the tyrant brought the elder. The boy desperately clung to the man¡¯s leg, trying to impede his movement, only to be sent crashing to the ground by a backhand.

    ¡°Normally I would make an example out of you for your insubordination,¡± said the overseer to the panting child, ¡°but you evidently have more use than the old man. After the lashing, it looks like he already has one foot in the grave.¡±

    Tears streamed from the boy¡¯s eyes as grief unfurled in the pit of his stomach. The middle-aged Beastkin looked down at his restraints again, his expression chagrined. The rest of the Beastfolk continued cowering like a herd of sheep cornered by a ravenous wolf.

    The old man let out a weak moan as the vice grip around his neck tightened. His legs dangled over the gaping hole of a pit from which an eerie hiss emerged. Inside, a large hairy creature akin to a mole titled its bizarre nose upward, its snout splitting open to reveal razor sharp teeth coated with thick saliva.

    The overseer heaved an amused grin as the creature stirred within its den in anticipation. Without a shred of hesitation or remorse, he unfurled his fingers, sentencing the frail old man to a grim fate. But that fleeting moment of control would have been his last.

    CHENG!

    The cold embrace of unyielding metal coiled around the tyrant¡¯s head. His eyes bulged in shock as the chains painfully tightened around his face, tilting his head back.

    In the same beat, Rexar leaped across the pit and grabbed the old man, severing the proverbial binds that condemned him to a dark fate.

    ¡°I got him!¡± he shouted tellingly.

    With a simple mental command, the chains began retracting into the glowing vortex from which they came, dragging the prisoner along the rough ground toward the caster.

    Once he was within range, Daisuke dropped his heel into the bastard¡¯s stomach, ripping a pained scream from his lungs. ¡°The chamber¡¯s clear,¡± Daisuke announced confidently. ¡°Milo, Elena, see to the captives.¡±

    ¡°Milo? Elena?¡±

    ¡°Wait. What?¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t be! What¡¯re they doing here?¡±

    ¡°How did they manage to find this place?¡±

    The names rose from the lips of the Beastfolk in hushed whispers. It was obvious they were acquainted with the young heroes who had come to their rescue¡ªand noting the overseer¡¯s incapacitated state restored a modicum of composure within them.

    Rexar approached the group and carefully laid down the elder on his side, his back bloodied from the long gash he had suffered from the whip. The wailing grandson hurried onto the scene, throwing himself onto his motionless grandfather while blaming himself.

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Without wasting another precious moment, Milo sank to his knees to inspect the wheezing elder. ¡°H-His wounds are pretty deep¡­ and he¡¯s lost a substantial amount of blood. The fact that he¡¯s dehydrated and malnourished doesn¡¯t help at all.¡±

    ¡°Can you heal him?¡± asked Elena anxiously.

    Milo didn¡¯t respond; time was of the essence. The incantation for the Area Heal spell flowed from his lips with urgency and purpose. The boy¡¯s eyes widened in alarm when his grandfather began to glow, then he looked down at his own body in surprise to find that the light had engulfed him as well.

    Gasps of shock and wonder rippled from the Beastfolk as they were surrounded by the same ethereal curtain of light. Men, women, and children gazed down at their bodies as a cool sensation hummed within them, gradually healing their wounds and slightly soothing their fatigue.

    Whindel, the middle-aged man, gawked at the palm of his hands in astonishment as the calluses began to reduce in size. Even his ear that had been severed as punishment for his constant rebellion had been completely healed.

    With a wan smile, he raised his head. After taking a good long look at his saviors¡ªtheir confident disposition, weapons, and accessories, he could not only easily understand how they had managed to make it back to the village safely, but how they had found and made their way into the mountain.

    ¡°You three have grown so much you¡¯re almost unrecognizable,¡± he said with evident praise.

    With a wide grin, Rexar rested his hands on his hips and tilted his chin to the ceiling, his nose elongating as if he were Pinocchio¡¯s distant relative.

    Whindel regarded him wearily. ¡°Well¡­ you¡¯ve mostly grown.¡±

    Rexar¡¯s once glorified pose withered, and for the first time in weeks, the people who were forced into labor eased into a fit of laughter.

    ¡°I may have healed your wounds,¡± Milo began, ¡°but you¡¯re all still overworked and malnourished. Even if it¡¯s just laughing, try not to overexert yourselves too much.¡±

    ¡°I can help with that,¡± said Daisuke as he leisurely walked over, pulling the overseer behind him like a mutinous dog on a leash. ¡°It¡¯s not much, but we have a bit of food left over from yesterday.¡±

    The Beastkin sniffed the air and looked around in anticipation, but the only thing in Daisuke¡¯s possession was the miserable human who had tormented them for the past few weeks.

    They were utterly struck speechless when, at a mere hand gesture, a bed of leaves materialized on the ground upon which a generous amount of bread, vegetables, and fruits appeared. A large pot held what was left of yesterday¡¯s stew.

    ¡°I-It¡¯s still warm,¡± said a man as he sniffed the air, his mouth salivating as he inched closer.

    A woman, presumably the most dehydrated of the lot, lunged toward a large pale of water instead. Using the wooden ladle resting next to it, she desperately had her fill before surrendering the utensil to the next thirsty folk.

    Whindel tilted his head back and emptied a bowl of stew into his mouth with a deep but contented sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t know your name¡­ but you¡¯ve saved us all from starvation.¡±

    Everyone bowed their heads in gratitude, including the little boy and his grandfather who almost had their time together in this world cut short.

    ¡°This is Haxks,¡± introduced Elena. ¡°We owe him our lives. Without his aid, we wouldn¡¯t have found this mountain, let alone rescued all of you.¡±

    Daisuke raised his hand dismissively when everyone began to express their generosity. ¡°More importantly, how did you all manage to get captured?¡±

    Whindel lowered his head, recalling the horrid memory. ¡°While we were all out hunting and foraging for food, we were ambushed by demons and taken prisoner.¡±

    Elena, Rexar, and Milo exchanged shocked expressions.

    ¡°I know,¡± added Whindel, his eyebrows furrowed as he mulled over the thought in his head for the thousandth time. ¡°Low-level demons aren¡¯t any different from a crazed monster, but the group that took us hostage were different.¡±

    ¡°Is it really possible that they were being controlled?¡± asked Milo.

    ¡°I know I said this before,¡± Rexar began, ¡°but is it even possible to control demons?¡±

    ¡°Putting that aside,¡± Daisuke interjected, ¡°is there anything you can tell us about this place? The layout of the cavern, the location of the demons, or¡­¡± He tightened his grip on the overseer¡¯s hair and jerked his head back. ¡°How many more guys like him are lurking around?¡±

    The rest of the Beastfolk exchanged puzzled expressions, but Daisuke kept his gaze on Whindel. Elena, Rexar, and Milo looked on with expectation as well, but the man¡¯s response was disappointing.

    ¡°Our limbs were bound and our heads bagged when we were transported here. When the demons left,¡± he gestured to the fuming man on the ground. ¡°He was all who was left. We¡¯ve been mining ever since, so we never got a chance to explore this place.¡±

    ¡°Well, that doesn¡¯t tell us anything,¡± murmured Rexar.

    ¡°If their vision and mobility were impaired,¡± said Daisuke, ¡°then I highly doubt they would¡¯ve been able to climb a rope.¡±

    Milo¡¯s eyes lit up at that revelation. ¡°Which means there¡¯s another path into the mountain.¡±

    ¡°Bingo,¡± chimed Daisuke as he crouched down before their scowling hostage and flicked his forehead. ¡°Okay, so here¡¯s the deal: you¡¯re going to shamelessly spill your guts by telling us everything you know, or one: you¡¯ll be thrown to that monster in the pit. And something tells me he won¡¯t show you an ounce of compassion for all the times you fed it. Or two: I¡¯ll hand you over to these guys so that they can pay you back for everything you¡¯ve done.¡±

    Wide-eyed and sweating bullets, the man shifted his gaze toward the Beastfolk who wore a scowl far more sinister than his own. Some bared their teeth while others flexed their arms and cracked their knuckles.

    ¡°Y-You fools have absolutely no idea who you¡¯re messing with!¡± he threatened pitifully.

    ¡°Precisely. We don¡¯t, which is why we¡¯re trying to find out,¡± replied Daisuke coolly.

    The man¡¯s eyes widened, thrown for a loop by the nonchalant response. ¡°T-The Mhaledictus is the most powerful organization in the western hemisphere! If you mess with me, you mess with them! And don¡¯t think that the guilds will be enough to protect you from their wrath!¡±

    ¡°¡­Mhaledictus, huh?¡± Daisuke replied casually as he raised his shoulders. ¡°Doesn¡¯t ring a bell. But more importantly, about the mountain and your buddies hanging around¡­¡±

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know anything!¡± the man gushed anxiously. ¡°I¡¯m only responsible for mining; the demihumans and I aren¡¯t allowed any farther into the mountain.¡±

    Daisuke didn¡¯t need the Eye of Verity to know that the swine was telling the truth. Beds of moss could be seen along the walls, which indicated that¡¯s where the Beastfolk were forced to sleep when they weren¡¯t being forced into labor.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you everything I know!¡± the man snapped impatiently, bravado evident in the unyielding lines that creased his forehead. ¡°Now release me! The Mhaledictus will be at your throats if anything happens to their people! Don¡¯t you get it? You idiots made a big mistake stepping into this place!¡±

    Daisuke scoffed, a hand cupping the side of his face. ¡°What threatening scumbags like you never seem to realize is that¡ª¡± he started finger flicking the man¡¯s forehead repeatedly¡ª ¡°you¡¯ll probably be long dead before word can get to your corporate overlords.¡±

    ¡°W-Wait!¡± the man stuttered, fruitlessly squirming against the magic chains that were wound around him. ¡°You promised to let me go if I gave you information.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, I lied.¡±

    The man¡¯s eyes quivered in shock.

    Daisuke smiled. ¡°Oh, so the bad guys can lie and torture people but I can¡¯t? What kind of logic is that?¡±

    The man let out a pathetic squeal and shrunk back as the Beastfolk encroached upon him like an ominous blanket of thunderclouds.

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 CHAPTER 71: Double Danger

    After bypassing the traps at the threshold of the cave, navigating the cavern became effortless. In hindsight, interrogating the overseer was meaningless, but at the same time it would have been a reckless disregard for caution if they didn¡¯t follow protocol.

    Mana Crystals were an expensive resource; it was easy to deduce that they would only be utilized on the path leading to something significant.

    And so, it wasn¡¯t much of a surprise that half a mile into the cavern¡¯s depths, where Mana Crystals adorned the walls like precious jewels, the atmosphere shifted, revealing a hidden sanctuary within the heart of the mountain.

    The crystals, now larger and more refined, brightly illuminated the path. The rough terrain transitioned into a luxurious setting¡ªa red carpet led the way into an expansive chamber, revealing a meticulously crafted space.

    The cavern¡¯s floor, now smooth cobblestone beneath lush carpeting, hinted at opulence. Tapestries adorned the walls, depicting picturesque scenes of rolling plains and forested valleys. A magnificent chandelier, casting a warm glow, hung from the ceiling, adding an air of grandeur to the space.

    Within this hidden haven, two men lounged on separate plush couches, surrounded by extravagance. Subservient female Beastkin knelt on all fours, their backs providing a comfortable surface for the men¡¯s legs. Tenderly massaged and attended to, they were served fruit and wine by two human females, painting an ambiance of indulgence and leisure.

    ¡°It¡¯s unusual to find rats scurrying around in this place,¡± said one of the men as he stirred the wine in his flute and took a brief sip.

    ¡°Forget unusual,¡± responded the other man with a scoff. ¡°This has never happened before. So much for your concealment spell and the worthless traps.¡±

    Ignoring the reproach, the man narrowed his eyes shrewdly, assessing how the light refracted through the red liquid in his glass. Even the devil¡¯s luck wouldn¡¯t be enough to find this place, much less to bypass the traps. There¡¯s obviously more to these rodents than meets the eye. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t underestimate them if I were you.¡±

    Feeling offended by the warning, the other man jerked his shoulders aggressively, driving away the woman who tended to him. Then with a dark scowl, he pushed to his feet and faced the entrance of the chamber from which a flippant voice arose.

    ¡°You guys sure stick out like a sore thumb.¡±

    ¡°What was that?¡± the man who was standing spat, a blood vessel throbbing in his temple.

    Daisuke nonchalantly stepped out of the darkness and into the light, hands tucked into his pockets. ¡°You both are obviously warriors, not gentlemen,¡± he said, assessing the garments and old scars they wore. ¡°So you just don¡¯t quite fit in with all the luxury you¡¯ve got going on here.¡±

    The man angrily gritted his teeth.

    Milo shrunk back. ¡°Sh-Should you really be provoking them like that?¡±

    Rexar frowned with contempt. ¡°More importantly¡ª¡±

    ¡°They have hostages,¡± Elena interjected with a frown, biting her lip furiously when she noted the woman who was still being used as a footstool. ¡°I can¡¯t believe the way they¡¯re being treated; it¡¯s so demeaning.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll be joining them shortly,¡± were the last words that the man uttered before unfurling his arms that were now aglow with a purplish aura.

    The chamber rumbled and a dark hum followed, accompanied by the thunderous shattering of rock. Daisuke retrieved the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang and assumed a battle stance in time to witness as a crude arm made of stone burst upward through the carpet with unbridled veracity.

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    Within moments, a large golem towering at least nineteen feet emerged from the ground. Its body was forged of rock¡ªrough-hewn and cold, and its round, sunken eye sockets exuded an eerie glow.

    ¡°Wh-What the hell is that?¡± Rexar exclaimed.

    ¡°It¡¯s a stone golem,¡± Daisuke explained in a hushed tone, ¡°which means this guy¡¯s likely a conjurer.¡±

    Elena and Rexar looked confused.

    ¡°A conjurer is able to summon spiritual and elemental beings and command them in battle,¡± Milo explained.

    ¡°At least one of you did your homework,¡± Daisuke murmured, much to Elena and Rexar¡¯s embarrassment. ¡°You three focus on the other guy and find a way to rescue the hostages.¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± the trio responded in unison.

    ¡°Imbeciles!¡± barked the conjurer with a smog grin. ¡°Instead of devising a strategy, you fools should have desperately tried to make your escape. Although, it would have been a complete waste of time.¡±

    Daisuke pivoted his head around at the man¡¯s gesture, only to note that another golem was blocking the only passage in and out of the chamber. But he didn¡¯t despair.

    A brief glance at his feet reminded him that Zephyr was absent, so he was entirely on his own. But that didn¡¯t sully his resolve, nor his speed. Daisuke leaned forward as a large fist came crashing down with the force of a small meteorite, sending a wave of destruction rippling through the chamber.

    The women screamed as debris rained down like hail. As the dust cleared, the golem raised its jagged arm, expecting to see the crushed and skewered remains of its prey, but there wasn¡¯t even a single spec of blood.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be the first to mistake predator for prey,¡± whispered Daisuke, his back against the conjurer¡¯s.

    The man gasped in shock, but it was too late; with a swift, fluent motion, Daisuke spun around, his dagger drawing a bright trajectory toward the bastard¡¯s neck like a beast aiming for the jugular of prey.

    CLANG!

    The blade collided into a clear barrier, which prevented it from reaching its mark. The conjurer leaped back in the same beat, his expression a cold twist of horror and exasperation.

    Daisuke noted as the man raised his hand, the precious stone atop one of his rings crumbling and falling away.

    ¡°That¡¯s...¡± Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed contemplatively. Is it some sort of one-time-use barrier?

    ¡°He¡¯s fast!¡± the other man¡ªthe less angry one¡ªexclaimed as he urgently sprang to his feet.

    ¡°Vernie!¡± called the conjurer in a telling tone.

    ¡°I know!¡±

    When Vernie started an incantation, almost mechanically, all eyes shifted to him. Without instruction, Rexar, Elena, and Milo surrendered to their battle instincts and launched their fastest spell to intervene: Magic Missile.

    But it was futile.

    Similar to the conjurer, a single ring was sacrificed to erect a protective barrier against the swift assault. As a result, the incantation culminated with the conjurer receiving a buff that significantly increased his mana capacity.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed, his surprise shifting to annoyance. Shit! Don¡¯t tell me that guy uses support magic! Hey!¡± he called out to the trio with evident urgency. ¡°You need to get rid of that guy pronto, or we won¡¯t stand a¡ª¡±

    A quake more intense than the last arrested the room, and the conjurer¡¯s prolonged roar made the atmosphere all the more ominous. Veins bulged in his forehead as he summoned his power, saliva drooling from his gaping mouth.

    Before Daisuke could act, the golem guarding the entrance closed in, bringing down a stone mace toward his head with explosive force that sent shrapnel flying in all directions.

    The pair of human women huddled together in a corner wasn¡¯t so lucky; a fleeting cry was the last sound to escape their lips before their lives were swiftly extinguished by a lethal projectile. And the other women looked on in horror.

    ¡°Run!¡± shouted Elena.

    Stirred from their petrified state by the compelling voice, the two remaining females scurried toward their kin. But Vernie wasn¡¯t just about to let them escape with the highly classified information with which they had been exposed.

    With a flick of his hand, darts made of ice flew on a trajectory toward the back of their necks.

    CRASH!

    They shattered like glass against Rexar¡¯s gauntlets as he threw himself forward to intercept. Lowering his arms, he leered at the bastard who seemed more disappointed than remorseful about what he almost did.

    ¡°Hurry! Hurry!¡± called Milo, ushering them toward the exit. ¡°Use your nose; it will lead you back to the others!¡±

    ¡°R-Right!¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡±

    The girls breathed but a single word before disappearing into the void. Then the trio huddled together defensively and regarded Vernie with obvious disdain.

    From the corner of his eye, Daisuke noted the women who had been liberated and those who perished. But it wasn¡¯t wise to divide his attention any longer; as the tremor grew fiercer, four more golems began emerging from the earth as if it were made of clay.

    In but a moment, the once extravagant chamber was reduced to the appeal of an average dungeon; broken cobblestones and tattered carpeting cascaded off the impressive mass of the towering golems. Furnishes and other d¨¦cor that were among their ranks were reduced to rubble.

 CHAPTER 72: Infighting â€“ Miloâ€™s Selfless Sacrifice

    ¡°You sure have the habit of wrecking the base,¡± Vernie playfully accused his comrade.

    ¡°There are more than enough worthless hands available to clean up this mess,¡± replied the conjurer, his eyes crazed as his body overflowed with power.

    Vernie snickered, his response eliciting Rexar¡¯s rage who started pacing menacingly toward him. With an icy gaze, Rexar asked, ¡°And what exactly is that supposed to mean?¡±

    Elena and Milo gripped their staff in a spell of outrage, already connecting the dots.

    ¡°Maybe this will answer your question,¡± murmured Vernie as he outstretched his arms. As he unfurled his fingers akin to a musical conductor, roughly a dozen humanoid creatures materialized from a ghostly mist, flanking him on both sides.

    Milo blanched. ¡°Those are¡­ d-demons!¡±

    ¡°You bastard!!¡± Rexar snapped, his fang piercing his lip in his fury. ¡°Are you the one responsible for the demons attacking our village?¡±

    ¡°H-How could you?!¡± Elena cried, her face flushed with grief and anger. ¡°Do you have any idea how much pain and suffering you¡¯ve caused? Every day we lived in fear of our home being raided and our loved ones being killed. Don¡¯t you have a heart?¡±

    ¡°Answer me this,¡± said Vernie with a bizarre grin, regarding the grieving Beastkin over his nose. ¡°Do you show compassion when you spear a fish or slaughter a pig¡ªno, you people are far less meaningful than these references. Do you feel remorse when you crush an ant beneath your feet?¡±

    Elena screamed in a rage, her fingers tightening around her staff¡ªand Rexar poised to launch himself into a reckless charge, but Milo managed to stop them both.

    ¡°Rexar! Elena!¡± pleaded Milo, struggling to hold them back. ¡°You both have to calm down; don¡¯t fall for his provocation.¡±

    ¡°Calm down? CALM DOWN?!¡± Rexar snapped, absolutely appalled that Milo could retain any level of composure after what was said. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear that bastard? He¡¯s responsible for the demon invasions!¡±

    ¡°I heard him!¡± responded Milo, ¡°b-but we have to keep our wits about us¡ª¡±

    WHAM!

    A fist to the face sent him crashing to the ground, and Vernie laughed out loud at the unexpected sight.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t fucking understand!¡± snapped Rexar. ¡°You¡¯re a goddamn human just like he is, so you wouldn¡¯t understand how we feel!¡±

    Milo bit his lip, the sting from his friend¡¯s words more painful than the blow to his face, but he pushed the heartache aside and looked from Elena to Rexar.

    ¡°¡­Have you both forgotten what Haxks told us?¡±

    The grip of rage over the duo loosened as they recalled the sobering memory.

    ¡ª ¡°It¡¯s likely that we¡¯re going to get to the bottom of the frequent demon invasions that¡¯s been plaguing Elmridge village. But I want you three to promise me something¡ªdon¡¯t lose your cool. It¡¯s bad enough that we¡¯ll be fighting on the enemy¡¯s home turf; if you don¡¯t keep a cool head, we¡¯ll be at a bigger disadvantage and I¡¯d rather not bring back any tragic news to the old woman.¡±

    Rexar hung his head and grinded his teeth, feeling bitter and regretful for what he had said to Milo. But before he could open his mouth to form words of apology¡ª

    ¡°The demons!¡± Elena called as she gripped her staff defensively. ¡°They¡¯re coming!¡±

    ¡°OHHAIIRRGHHH!¡±

    An ear-piercing screech had the trio ducking their heads and wincing in pain. Rubble cracked and crumbled underfoot as the vile creatures charged in on the offense. The demon in front¡ªthe one that heaved the deafening howl¡ªgripped one of the many spikes protruding from its hard exoskeleton and broke it off with a deep grunt.

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    Rexar watched in horror as the appendage slowly began regenerating, then the demon slowly, intimidatingly, tilted its head. Curved horns took root from where its eye sockets typically would be, but Rexar could clearly feel that his presence was perfectly captured within the creature¡¯s perception¡ªand when it lunged at him with its makeshift weapon, he knew it to be true.

    Daisuke took off like a bullet, blowing past one of the golems like a violent wind. Several streaks of light illustrating the delayed trajectory of his blade flickered across the golem¡¯s body, but there was little to no damage.

    The conjurer guffawed. ¡°What a shame! After the bold remark you made earlier, to think all you could manage is a cool gust of wind.¡±

    Daisuke glowered at the bastard. Dammit! This is turning out like that fight against the Volturax. But unlike that monster, these golems don¡¯t seem to have any kind of weakness. In that case¡­

    Turning on his heels, Daisuke tightened his hold on his dagger and dashed toward the conjurer at top speed. As an extension of their arm, the golems crafted a sword, mace, and hammer to launch a combined assault, but their bulky forms couldn¡¯t compete with the speedster.

    CLANGGG!!

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in shock while the conjurer heaved a face-splitting grin. Sparks flew as the blade of the dagger laboriously scraped against the stone cage within which the man was suddenly enclosed. The flash of light from iron and stone illuminated their expressions.

    ¡°FOOL!¡± the man spat condescendingly, drunk from Daisuke¡¯s rare show of dumbfoundedness. ¡°Assassins are a spellcaster¡¯s greatest weakness; do you honestly believe I wouldn¡¯t have an ace up my sleeve?!¡±

    Daisuke didn¡¯t have time to flinch, scoff, or even curse the man to hell; instead of sustaining its form or crumpling, the stone barrier morphed into a plethora of sharp projectiles and detonated like fireworks.

    Unfortunately for Daisuke, his impressive speed wasn¡¯t quite enough to entirely evade the surprise attack. He grunted, his body reflexively folding as a pang of pain suddenly ignited in his thigh.

    ¡°Dammit¡ªthis is bad!¡± Rexar exclaimed at the sight of Daisuke¡¯s predicament, even as a demon invested its entire strength into its makeshift weapon, slamming it into Rexar¡¯s gauntlet-protected arm. ¡°Haxks is in trouble!¡±

    Elena and Milo grimaced at the news, but they couldn¡¯t look away; the demons were ruthless and relentless in their onslaught. In addition to fangs, claws, talons, and the hard appendage procured from their bodies, they threw stones and rubble, anything to secure an advantage in the delicious slaughter.

    ¡°Hahahaha!¡± the conjurer laughed boisterously at the sight of Daisuke¡¯s bloody wound. He was disappointed that the sneak attack didn¡¯t leave his foe looking like a porcupine, but the injury would certainly suffice. ¡°With that leg, you won¡¯t be able to move around as swiftly as you did before.¡±

    Daisuke clicked his tongue, his gaze filled with scorn. But instead competing with his own scornful stare, the conjurer cast his comrade a telling gaze as he summoned his power, willing all the golems to combine into one.

    Despite being engaged with three of the five demons, Rexar didn¡¯t miss the silent message between the two men.

    WHOOSH!

    A fireball conjured from Elena¡¯s wand engulfed a demon coated in the flammable liquid from several Poison Darts. Like a humanoid torch, the fiend illuminated the chamber, flailing and screaming as the poison and flames devoured its vitality.

    While it did little to no damage, Milo had been firing off several Magic Missiles to distract one of the demons. Finally, when the creature could not tolerate the human¡¯s incessant meddling any longer, it broke off two of its appendages that grew in length for the occasion.

    Crossing them like blades, the demon warded off the feeble attacks while closing the distance between predator and prey. But its plan was reduced to shreds, along with its very body, as Elena let loose a series of blades forged of wind.

    Like wild primates, the three remaining demons lashed out at Rexar in unison then in turns. They employed feints and combination attacks in an attempt to win the upper hand, but one thing had become very apparent.

    They¡¯re weak, thought Rexar as he effortlessly countered the demons¡¯ desperate attempts at his life. Then his gaze shifted to find that Vernie was more engrossed in the fight between Daisuke and the conjurer than his own. This bastard! Instead of strengthening the demons that he¡¯s in control of¡ª

    Rexar¡¯s eyes widened as an unsettling epiphany dawned on him. The demons weren¡¯t meant to win¡ªtheir unimpressive strength probably hinted that they were merely distractions. Once Daisuke was thoroughly defeated by the golems, they would be next in line¡ªcrushed beneath the heel of injustice.

    With a wide swing of his arm, Rexar swept away a demon that had locked weapons with him, sending it flying into a high arch. Then he urgently turned to Milo and Elena to relay what he had deduced.

    But demons were tenacious and vengeful creatures, and Milo had taken note of this, which is why he was the only one to notice as the airborne demon twisted its body and launched a razor-sharp projectile from its back.

    The healer¡¯s body moved before his brain could process the selfless response. Rexar groaned at the import of a jarring pain in his left side as Milo tackled him, knocking his body outside of the range of a potentially fatal attack.

    Instead, the projectile pierced a hole through Milo¡¯s shoulder like a bullet from a rifle. He fell to the hard ground with a pained cry, blood staining his attire.

 CHAPTER 73: Defying the Odds x2

    Rexar and Elena stood in stunned silence, then their faces suddenly twisted in outrage. With a ferocity that frightened even the vile demons, the duo descended upon the fiends like a hunter¡¯s blade toward the throat of a cornered beast.

    The conjurer swiveled his head back around with a nauseating giggle, eager to relish the expression Daisuke would make at the sight of his fallen comrade. But instead, the man captured a blinding white streak of light in his periphery and a blur of movement.

    Next, he heard a low thud at his feet before he felt an excruciating jolt of pain surging from his arms throughout the rest of his body. Finally, he saw it¡ªboth his severed hands laying at his feet, already growing cold and pale.

    The man tilted his head back and let out a wailing scream as blood dribbled from his wrists. Then his expression shifted from pain to horror when Daisuke spoke from behind him and the cold kiss of a blade could be felt on his throat.

    ¡°I bet the effects of those rings are useless now that they¡¯re not in contact with your body,¡± scoffed Daisuke as he pressed the weapon closer.

    ¡°Y-You¡­¡± the man muttered, his voice trembling as his body slowly slipped into shock. ¡°How can you¡­ still move like that with your injured leg?¡±

    ¡°You mean this leg?¡± said Daisuke, flexing the limb that was last seen with a three-inch-thick projectile wedged in it.

    The conjurer was dumbstruck.

    ¡°I allowed myself to get injured because I wanted you to let your guard down,¡± admitted Daisuke. ¡°It hurt like hell but it was worth it. While you were busy watching the others and gloating, I used a potion to heal my leg. It¡¯s kinda shocking you didn¡¯t expect us to have any recovery items with us. I guess you got pretty used to beating up and harassing regular people.¡±

    The man grinded his teeth in regret, observing as the male and female Beastkin rushed to the human¡¯s aid and urgently began feeding him a red liquid from a slender glass vial.

    ¡°If you kill me,¡± he began threateningly, ¡°you¡¯ll simply earn yourself the wrath of the Mhale¡ª¡±

    SWOOPP!

    Daisuke watched with a stoic expression as the decapitated head fell and rolled on the ground before coming to a stop, its visage frozen in shock. ¡°I swear you people are like a broken record.¡±

    DING!

    [Keith has been defeated!]

    [Jet-black Garment has been acquired.]

    [Jet-black Boots has been acquired.]

    [Invisibility Ring has been acquired.]

    [Perseverance Ring x5 has been acquired.]

    [Small MP Recovery Potion x5 has been acquired.]

    [Sparkling Elixir x1 has been acquired.]

    [35 Gold has been acquired.]

    Ignoring the notification windows, Daisuke shifted his gaze in time to witness Vernie casting a spell, seizing control of the gigantic golem before it could crumble away following its master¡¯s demise.

    ¡°You¡¯ve done me a great service, thanks,¡± Vernie remarked with a weary and somewhat twisted smile. ¡°After a few months of living with the guy, he had become quite a bore. Once I get rid of you nuisances, I¡¯ll recover the footstools and begin the arduous process of cleaning up this mess.¡±

    Rexar and Elena carefully helped Milo sit upright, their gazes piercing the heartless villain with unbridled contempt. Vernie seemed entirely unfazed by their undisguised hostility¡ªin fact, he appeared rather amused.

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    ¡°I think I¡¯ll need more hands on deck to get this place spick-and-span, so I¡¯ll likely be paying a visit to your village real soon,¡± Vernie declared with a dark promise.

    A muscle worked in Rexar¡¯s jaw, and Vernie laughed mockingly as the Beastkin¡¯s fingers balled into trembling fists. ¡°You, girl,¡± called the man teasingly. ¡°You have a pretty face. Do you have any younger siblings? Their gender doesn¡¯t matter¡­ it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve deflowered¡ª¡±

    Rexar¡¯s eyes snapped open in outrage. Having had enough, the final thread holding his patience in check snapped, and a roar tore from his lungs like thunder. Before rational words or desperate hands could reinstate his sanity, the beast masquerading as a human lashed out with claws poised to strike.

    ¡°Amateur! You¡¯re so predictable!¡± roared back Vernie, his response both an insult and a command for the golem to attack.

    Rexar shrunk back, his ears sagging as the ominous shadow of the golem engulfed him in darkness. The golem¡¯s arm swung around like the jib of a tower crane, intent on crushing both him and his friends. However, just as despair began to tighten its grip, Daisuke materialized with a sturdy wooden club.

    With an expertly timed swing, he met the monster¡¯s colossal arm. The impact echoed through the cavern, sending shockwaves that reverberated through the air. The sheer force of the collision created a momentary distortion, as if reality itself recoiled from the clash.

    The knockback effect of the Sturdy Club sent the golem stumbling backward, disrupted and disoriented. Yet, thwarting the creature¡¯s attack came at a cost¡ªa large portion of the weapon¡¯s durability was visibly eaten away, a testament to the formidable power of the golem¡¯s assault.

    Vernie staggered back with a frustrated growl, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent. ¡°Ideally, it would be better if you all died right here by my hands; the Mhaledictus won¡¯t be as merciful.¡±

    Daisuke sighed, a hint of annoyance etched across his face. ¡°Spare me the clich¨¦ villain monologue bullshit, would you?¡±

    With a swift motion, he brandished his dagger, the blade catching the ambient light as it hummed with a feral energy. Leaning into his customary attack posture, a glint of determination in his eyes, he materialized a familiar item from his inventory and clasped it tightly in his hand.

    [Bramble Seed]

    [Damage: 150

    Vicious thorned vines, unleashed from the Bramble Seed, continuously inflict fixed Physical Damage per second on ensnared targets. Adversaries caught within the vines¡¯ AoE also suffer harm. There¡¯s a 35% chance of causing ?Bleed? and a 12% chance of inducing ?Poison? among those ensnared.]

    Vernie laughed. ¡°You¡¯re more of a fool than I thought,¡± he scoffed. ¡°Challenging the golem is futile. Its might is beyond your comprehension!¡±

    Daisuke smirked. ¡°Well, let¡¯s put that theory to the test, shall we?¡±

    Without another word, he launched himself toward his towering foe like a flash, a blur of calculated strikes upon the monster¡¯s unflinching form leaving trails of brilliant light.

    Vernie, growing uneasy, glanced at the golem that stood imposingly in the chamber. ¡°Y-You can dance all you want, but it won¡¯t change the outcome; this golem is indestructible!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±

    Uppercutting the golem with the hilt of his dagger, Daisuke leapt high into the air. Then he retrieved another item from his inventory that exuded a golden gleam.

    [Lightning Bead]

    [Damage: 2,500

    Deals fixed Lightning Damage to the target upon impact. The electrical charge may leap to up to 7 nearby enemies, with a 75% chance of inducing ?Paralysis? and a 45% chance of causing the ?Burn? Status.]

    Rexar, Elena, and Milo watched in awe as Daisuke weaved through the air like an acrobat, the gleam of the Lipanthyer¡¯s fang painting a dazzling display.

    Vernie¡¯s guffaw echoed. ¡°You think a mere nobody can defy the golem¡¯s power? I¡¯ve seen it crush mountains and withstand magic that would incinerate you with a glance!¡±

    The last of his words got stuck in his throat however when barbed vines suddenly erupted from the golem¡¯s body, ensnaring it in a thorny grip.

    Vernie, stunned and disbelieving, couldn¡¯t stop his mouth from falling agape. Impossible! Did he somehow manage to embed the seeds inside the areas he had attacked with his blade? But how did he even manage to damage the golem?

    While the man stood dumbfounded and the vines tightened their grip, restricting the once-unyielding titan and destroying its integrity, Daisuke activated the Lightning Bead against his blade, unleashing a radiant force. Kicking his legs against the ceiling, he launched himself downward, a dazzling bolt of lightning tracing his trajectory.

    SHINGG!

    The Lipanthyer¡¯s blade howled through the air, a crescendo that climaxed in a thunderous explosion. Dust and debris engulfed the chamber as the golem bellowed in agony.

    Vernie¡¯s mocking laughter transformed into screams as the stone titan¡¯s body fell apart, cleaved in twain. He was so stunned that caution dawned a moment too late. As the golem¡¯s body crumbled like a landslide, Vernie was caught within its midst.

    Courtesy of the rings on his fingers, a series of barriers erected themselves in tandem as the former was destroyed. But ultimately, the accessories failed to protect their master and Vernie¡¯s legs were brutally crushed beneath the falling rocks.

    Through the veil of dust from the battle¡¯s aftermath, a silhouette of Daisuke could be seen pushing to his feet, his dagger still charged with electricity.

    DING!

    [The class advancement quest ?Defying the Odds? has been completed!]

    [350,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [To complete your class advancement, please select a fitting role that complements your strengths, playstyle, and future aspirations.]

 CHAPTER 74: The Treasure Room

    Following the oddly invasive prompt, hundreds of class names were suddenly projected all around him. The high-resolution white texts were etched in a blue background and slowly orbing around him like a multitude of planets to a single star.

    As if sieving through puzzle pieces, Daisuke began filtering through the seemingly endless assortment of production and combat classes¡ªfrom an architect, carpenter, stonemason, and blacksmith, to a warrior, mage, healer, and assassin.

    But those were the common classes. The more bizarre and unfamiliar ones consisted of choices such as a fortune teller, cartographer, journalist, and rancher, and for combatants: anti-paladin, scoundrel, war-priest, and plaguemancer.

    While perusing the options, Daisuke deduced that his missed opportunity to select a class during the character creation screen was now presenting itself upon achieving a level where players typically had the chance to change or enhance their class at a higher level.

    Finally, a class stood out amongst the rest.

    DING!

    [Are you sure you would like to assume the combat class, ?Dual Blader??]

    Yes.

    [Your choice will be irreversible upon confirmation. Are you certain this is the class you desire?]

    Daisuke hesitated for a moment.

    Yes.

    DING!

    [Congratulations! The combat class ?Dual Blader? has been acquired.]

    [In acknowledgment of your exceptional skill and ingenuity against a vastly superior foe, additional options will be incorporated into your class description to reflect your outstanding performance.]

    [Dual Blader]

    [Rank: Epic

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Casting defense to the wind, a second blade is brandished to enable swift attacks accentuated with a varied range of attack patterns and agile maneuvers.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? If a Lightning Bead is present within the inventory, there is a 20% chance of activating the passive skill ?Lightning Edge?, which doubles the cutting-edge of any sword or dagger-type weapons being wielded.

    ?? While the ?Lightning Edge? skill is active, there is a 5% chance of inflicting ?Paralysis?, which can be stacked with the same effect on other equipment.

    ?? Whenever the ?Lightning Edge? skill is activated, the blades in use will be automatically sharpened and durability will be reduced by 0.2%.

    ?? A sharper blade is likely to cut deeper. There is an 8% chance of triggering ?Bleed?, which can be stacked with the same effect on other equipment.]

    [Lightning Edge]

    [Electricity discharged from the Lightning Bead envelopes the blade. The voltage enhances the sharpness of the weapon and introduces a layer of Elemental Damage to one¡¯s Physical Attacks.

    Skill Duration: 25 Seconds

    Skill Cooldown: 1 Minute

    Skill Requirement: 2 Bladed Weapons Equipped]

    ¡°Are you three alright?¡± asked Daisuke when the trio shuffled toward him.

    ¡°More or less,¡± uttered Rexar.

    Elena nodded.

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    ¡°Still a bit light-headed,¡± responded Milo, his arms draped around his friends¡¯ shoulders for support.

    ¡°That¡¯s not really surprising,¡± replied Daisuke. ¡°You may be healed, but a potion doesn¡¯t restore blood loss or fatigue.¡±

    "That reality is painfully clear to me at the moment," Milo murmured back in response.

    The cavern still echoed with the lingering impact of the battle. The dust settled to reveal the remnants of the once-undefeatable golem, shattered and lifeless, and Vernie, utterly defeated and nearing death¡¯s cold embrace.

    The man coughed as his enemies converged on his location, the entirety of his lower half buried beneath large rocks and rubble. Despite the excruciating pain surging through his body, he felt irritated when he spied a tinge of pity in Elena¡¯s eyes as she stood stock of his predicament.

    ¡°He¡¯s in pretty bad shape,¡± said Milo as his gaze copied Elena¡¯s. ¡°I can perform first-aid, but we¡¯ll need to take him to a priest to get fully healed¡ª¡±

    ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± Rexar snapped at his friend who had evidently lost some of his marbles after being slapped around by the demons.

    Vernie heaved a bloody grin. ¡°This is the reason,¡± he murmured between coughing, ¡°why your kind is always on the receiving end of misfortune; you¡¯re all a bunch of fools.¡±

    Peeved by the remark, Rexar angrily moved in to drive his heel into the man¡¯s face. But Daisuke lifted his arm to block him before shifting his gaze back to the dying villain. ¡°Here¡¯s the deal.¡±

    Vernie listened.

    ¡°If you tell us about this place, the demons, and who you work for¡­ we¡¯ll help you.¡±

    ¡°Wait, what?! Are you being serious right now?¡± Rexar lashed out again, but when Daisuke shot him a serious pair of eyes, he took a step back in fear.

    Elena and Milo watched meekly as he hissed his teeth and turned away. In the distance, he aggressively kicked a rock like a small child throwing a tantrum.

    As for Vernie, he didn¡¯t need to consider the offer. He tried spitting into the face of the man who was single-handedly responsible for his downfall, but he ended up coughing up blood instead. Then he sighed. ¡°Shit. This really isn¡¯t how I envisioned my final moments would be when I die.¡±

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m still waiting,¡± urged Daisuke.

    Vernie allowed what seemed like a mix between a chuckle and a laugh, and his entire body jerked. ¡°Oh. You were being serious?¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyebrows furrowed.

    ¡°You morons evidently have never been a part of a secret society before,¡± scoffed Vernie. ¡°If I talk, I¡¯ll be tortured and killed. So what¡¯s the point of being treated here?¡±

    ¡°And you don¡¯t think I¡¯ll torture you?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have the balls,¡± responded Vernie with a challenging gaze.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought,¡± the man continued in an undertone, his eyes fluttering close. ¡°So do me a favor¡­ and go fuck yourself.¡±

    Daisuke clicked his tongue when the man went still and silent, while Elena hung her head in a mixture of emotions.

    ¡°¡­He¡¯s gone,¡± uttered Milo in a rueful tone. ¡°He¡¯s lost too much blood. We could¡¯ve saved him had we acted¡ª¡±

    When Rexar noticed Vernie¡¯s passing, his roar of frustration drowned out Milo¡¯s final set of words. The infuriated Wolfkin turned his attention to Daisuke, but he wasn¡¯t confident enough to confront him. Needing an outlet for his rage, Rexar began defiling the corpse with a series of stomps and kicks.

    The unpleasant sounds pierced the deafening silence of the room unceremoniously. Elena and Milo hung their heads; their anger long since changed to sorrow, and they shivered as Rexar¡¯s mindless rampage endured.

    Before they could succumb to the tears burning the back of their eyes, Daisuke called out to them with a hint of urgency. ¡°Split up and search the chamber. Be careful of traps.¡±

    The duo nodded and quickly disposed themselves to the task. At the same time, Daisuke passed a fleeting glance at Rexar who was still engrossed in his unsavory act of revenge.

    But he couldn¡¯t find it within himself to put a stop to it¡ªafter all, although his reasoning was sound, he had selfishly stolen the trio¡¯s chance of exacting vengeance on the man who had decimated their village.

    Knowing that anything of importance would likely be hidden, Daisuke activated the Eye of Verity. Vernie was an Enchanter, he thought to himself, deep in contemplation. His ability to take over the golem after whatshisface died suggests he had some kind of power to control demons. The real question is: where exactly did the demons originate from?

    The chamber branched off into three different rooms: a pair of bedchambers that boasted a splendor that rivaled what the main hall looked like prior to the devastation, and a small kitchen that was in desperate need of cleaning.

    Elena and Milo didn¡¯t find anything particularly noteworthy in these rooms. And after reporting back to Daisuke, they both went to give Rexar some desperately needed moral support.

    Instead of fumbling around, even if he was blessed with the Eye of Verity, Daisuke paused and cupped his chin in contemplation. On their way into the cave, they had seen Beastkin engaged in manual labor¡ªthey were being forced to mine the precious materials sleeping within the mountain.

    On their way to the main hall, Daisuke remembered seeing a few wheelbarrows containing said materials that were already cleaned and prepped for storage.

    He didn¡¯t recall seeing any wheel tracks or blemishes on the plush carpet inside of the main hall. And he highly doubted Vernie and whatshisface would have tolerated traffic through their private chambers.

    Which means the passage to the storage chamber should be situated within the tunnel that divides the main hall from the work area.

    As the revelation dawned in Daisuke¡¯s mind, he pressed his hand against a section of the wall that exuded a trace of mana invisible to the naked eye.

    But, as opposed to the mechanical click he heard from the bookshelf at Reginald¡¯s mansion, a section of the wall simply fell away like a puzzle being done in reverse.

    ¡°Th-This is¡­¡±

    ¡°Figured they would want to keep this hidden.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Elena and Milo stepped forward curiously. Rexar wore an indifferent expression. Before them was an expansive chamber layered with cobblestones. Red and gold embroideries hung from the walls, and in between them were lamps illuminated by Mana Crystals.

    A finely weaved flooring reminiscent of a spider web spanned all four corners of the room. The hundreds of pounds worth of Mana Crystals, ores, and other precious materials formed a slight indentation in the middle, and beneath it was a dark, gaping hole.

 CHAPTER 75: Safety Net

    ¡°¡­How deep do you think it goes?¡± asked Elena as she gingerly stooped down at the edge.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we should be trying to find out,¡± murmured back Milo.

    Daisuke pinched and pulled Rexar¡¯s garb as he attempted to test the integrity of the flooring with a daring leg. ¡°That may not be such a good idea,¡± he warned.

    Crouching beside Elena, Milo cautiously lowered his index finger toward the flooring. But instead of touching the light blue¡­ phenomenon, his finger went right through.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Elena exclaimed with a frown. ¡°What exactly is happening right now?¡±

    Milo looked to Daisuke questioningly.

    ¡°¡­Maybe some kind of barrier that rejects organic matter?¡± he replied as he tried to conjure up another theory. But nothing else came to mind.

    ¡°Is that even possible?¡± queried Milo.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t our focus right now be finding a way around it?¡± argued Rexar with evident impatience. ¡°I¡¯m really sick of this place.¡±

    ¡°That makes two of us,¡± agreed Daisuke while pointing at the eastern wall. ¡°Elena, I want you to use your Wind Cutter to rip down those two tapestries.¡±

    Elena didn¡¯t ask any questions; Daisuke¡¯s brilliance during the guild assessment and his performance in the dungeon was enough for her to confide in his judgement without hesitation.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t steered us wrong yet,¡± she said as she aimed a crescent moon-shaped gust of wind toward the upper threshold of the tapestry.

    The carefully measured projectile sliced through the embroidery with ease, sending them pooling to the ground without a sound. On the gray cobblestone wall where they once hung, two intricate circles roughly a meter in width were inscribed in black ink.

    ¡°Are those¡­ magic circles?¡± Elena asked with a frown.

    ¡°It seems like they have something to do with the chamber,¡± guessed Milo. ¡°The question is, which one do we trigger?¡±

    Through the Eye of Verity, Daisuke noted that one of the circles radiated a grayish-silver glow while the other¡ªthe one on the right¡ªexuded a pale light blue.

    Employing a simple method of visual matchmaking, Daisuke deduced that the circle on the right radiated the same blue color as the tightly-knitted flooring.

    His other assumption was that mana needed to be remotely injected into the magic circle to activate its effects, but all four of them were amateurs at that level of mana manipulation.

    But Daisuke had a theory.

    When he was younger, his father used to have him sleep in the dark whenever he had been a bad boy. Instead of getting out of bed and risk being pulled underneath it by the boogeyman or worse¡ªthat one clown from a scary movie, Daisuke would hurl his stuffed animals at the light switch until one of them hit its mark.

    ¡°Milo,¡± Daisuke called, shifting his attention. ¡°Being a healer demands pretty delicate control, so I¡¯m pretty sure you have a better grip on your mana than the rest of us.¡±

    ¡°¡­I-I¡¯m not sure I like where this is going,¡± Milo murmured back.

    Daisuke frowned, conveying the criticality of the imminent request. ¡°I want you to land a Magic Missile in the center of that magic circle without damaging the inscription.¡±

    Milo turned toward his objective, measuring its feasibility. ¡°W-Wouldn¡¯t Elena be better suited for the task?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± the pouting Rexar agreed. ¡°Mages are always firing off spells, so her aim will be way better.¡±

    ¡°And why do you think a mage has excellent marksmanship?¡± asked Daisuke. ¡°It¡¯s because the spell¡¯s velocity also plays a vital role in power and accuracy. But if there¡¯s too much power behind the Magic Missile, it may damage the circle.¡±

    Milo shifted his gaze to the mage, and Elena nodded in a reluctant confirmation. With a sigh, the healer turned toward his target. Gripping his staff with a stance reminiscent of a soldier wielding a rifle and peering down the sights, he closed one eye and swallowed nervously.

    ¡°Breathe,¡± encouraged Daisuke. ¡°Just remember that you¡¯re not launching an attack¡ªyou¡¯re merely feeding the magic circle some mana.¡±

    Easy for you to say, thought Milo, but he took a deep breath and held it in his chest. In his ears, he could vividly hear the erratic beating of his heart, but his hands had steadied.

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    Like a surgeon seeking a vein, he focused his senses and launched a single projectile that resembled a fluffy cloud rather than a pointed blade. It found its mark with incredible accuracy, and the magic circle hummed in response.

    Milo finally breathed, and Elena and Rexar looked on in anticipation as the light in the blue magic circle faded while the light in the other one intensified.

    Systematically, the meshed flooring gradually disappeared while cobblestones materialized to completely fill the gaping hole in the floor.

    Milo stood in stunned silence until Daisuke flicked his forehead. ¡°Ouch!¡± he cried out in pain, rapidly rubbing the swollen and steaming spot.

    ¡°Well done,¡± Daisuke praised with a smile.

    Rexar roughly tousled the healer¡¯s head like an older brother while Elena clutched his arm and jerked his body in excitement.

    Without a word, Daisuke approached the glittering heap and touched his fingertip to a large cut of Mana Crystal. With a single glance, he noted that the loot was hoarded together in a disorganized clump; everything was pooled together and touching one another.

    Testing a new theory, he laid his palm flat on the chunk of crystal and willed his inventory to store everything that was in contact with it. To his surprise, it worked flawlessly¡ªevery piece of gold, silver, crystal, and other materials were pulled into his possession. All except for a piece of coiled parchment.

    ¡°Show off,¡± murmured Rexar.

    "What is it?" Elena asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes as Daisuke reached for the length of papyrus and began unfurling it.

    The trio huddled close, craning their necks to get a better look.

    "It''s a map," Daisuke informed them, his eyes scanning over the details before it vanished into his inventory. "Let''s head back. We''ll decide what to do with all this stuff once we''re back in the village."

    ¡°So, in the end, we didn¡¯t really learn anything conclusive,¡± uttered Milo dejectedly.

    Rexar¡¯s expression hardened, his fingers clenching into tight fists, and Elena¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes becoming glum.

    ¡°¡­Not necessarily,¡± replied Daisuke, his words rekindling a sliver of hope within the trio. ¡°Do you remember how frantic Vernie was to stop those two girls from escaping?¡±

    Their eyes widened in recollection.

    ***

    The girls in question were being comforted by the laborers in the mining shaft when Daisuke and the others returned.

    ¡°Did you¡­ really take care of the ones responsible for taking us hostage?¡± queried one of the Beastfolk.

    ¡°That¡¯s unbelievable!¡± uttered another.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Whindel, resting a large callused hand on Milo¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ve all done us a great service.¡±

    The grandson and the elderly man who was nearly cast into the pit shared a gleeful glance before turning their grateful gazes toward their rescuers.

    While Elena, Rexar, and Milo were being endlessly praised for their monumental feat, Daisuke approached the women who were partaking of food given to them by the others.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to ask while you¡¯re both still visibly shaken up by this ordeal, but is there anything you can tell us about this place?¡±

    Stirred by curiosity, everyone quieted down at the import of the question. The Beastfolk had interrogated the two girls the moment they had joined their ranks, but they were too perturbed to answer.

    Daisuke got down on one knee before them, his eyes patient and sincere. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re both safe now. Whether you answer my questions or not, we¡¯ll be escorting you and the others back to Elmridge village.¡±

    Elmridge village.

    Just voicing the name of their home was soothing therapy; it made them feel relaxed, secure, and a strong sense of longing.

    The girls took a moment to assess Daisuke¡ªdespite the horrors in the cavern that they were instructed to flee from, the young boy was entirely unscathed, his countenance cool and collected. His physical, mental, and emotional state of being was obviously due to his overwhelming power, and it was incredibly reassuring.

    The females exchanged glances and nodded, then one of them¡ªa girl with short-cropped hair and daring eyes¡ªturned to Daisuke and parted her lips.

    ¡°Um¡­ I¡¯m sorry but those guards didn¡¯t really talk about highly secret stuff while we were around.¡±

    Daisuke frowned. ¡°Guards? You mean Vernie and that other guy?¡±

    ¡°Keith, yes,¡± the other girl chimed in. ¡°They were¡­ ordered by their boss to safeguard the mountain.¡±

    ¡°The Mhaledictus?¡±

    The girls¡¯ ears perked up at the name, and the female with the short-cropped hair spoke. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the name.¡±

    ¡°Any idea why they were ordered to protect this place?¡±

    The girls thought about that for a while, sieving through the trauma that clouded their memory. And it was the long-haired girl, the introvert, who was able to trigger the memory.

    ¡°Fail-safe!¡± she blurted out awkwardly.

    ¡°Ah! Th-That¡¯s right!¡± the other girl exclaimed, the words evoking her own memories. ¡°Fail-safe is the word Keith used when he said the mountain was being used to store a percentage of the Mhaledictus¡¯ funds, just in case anything bad happened.¡±

    Whispers rose amongst the onlookers, and Daisuke cupped his chin in thought. ¡°So, essentially, this place is like the equivalent of an offshore Swiss bank account.¡±

    Confusion permeated throughout the crowd, and it wasn¡¯t until the two girls voiced their befuddlement did Daisuke realize that he was thinking out loud.

    ¡°Oh, sorry about that,¡± he said, sheepishly running his hand through his hair. ¡°Based on what I''ve gathered, the Mhaledictus is an organization of sorts. Their exact activities remain a mystery, but it seems they stashed some of their wealth here as a safety net in case of their downfall.¡±

    ¡°And what about us?¡± asked Whindel. ¡°Why were we captured and imprisoned here?¡±

    ¡°They probably noticed that the mountain was rich with materials and figured they could expand their wealth if they mined it.¡±

    Anger and sorrow flared amongst the crowd, but Daisuke knew there was no possible way to quell the storm within that moment, so he turned his attention back to the girls.

    ¡°Is there anything else you can tell us?¡± he asked. ¡°Like where the Mhaledictus has their base of operations, or where the demons originated from?¡±

    Regrettably, the girls shook their heads in denial, and grief finally extinguished the flames that had fueled the anger and hate within the people, casting a somber atmosphere over the crowd.

    For an instant, Daisuke¡¯s expression crumbled, but for the sake of the people who had confided in him, he maintained the perfectly smooth mask he had molded. ¡°Don¡¯t beat yourselves up,¡± he reassured the girls with a measured smile. ¡°Vernie and Keith were just too careful, that¡¯s all.¡±

    He got on his feet and turned to the people. ¡°Those two men got what they deserved, and I have no doubt that the Mhaledictus will face their reckoning in due time. But for now, let''s make our way back to the village. I''m sure you''re all anxious to be reunited with your friends and loved ones.¡±

 CHAPTER 76: Homecoming Festivities

    CLIP-CLOP-CLIP-CLOP-CLIP-CLOP.

    The overseer from the mountain awoke to find himself laying in the middle of an unfamiliar road. His body was still aching from the mob justice he had been served, and his head still had steaming lumps, but his body was whole.

    Visibly relieved, he pushed to feet with a nasty grin and vowed his revenge. He couldn¡¯t contain the joy he felt at the thought of what the Mhaledictus would do to the Beastfolk village once they got wind of what had transpired.

    CLIP-CLOP-CLIP-CLOP- CLIP-CLOP.

    The man was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn¡¯t notice the arrival of a carriage.

    ¡°Well, look what we¡¯ve got here,¡± said the coachman with a mischievous grin. ¡°Free merchandise.¡±

    In response to the ridiculous declaration, a group of slave traders exited the carriage with their equipment. Their expressions were jaded as they stalked their newly acquired prey with a confidence that hinted at years of experience in the field.

    The former overseer took a cowardly step back, his face growing pale at the sight of the cuffs and fetters. Each rattle of the chains made his heart skip a beat. ¡°I-I work for the Mhaledictus! They¡¯re the most powerful organization in the western hemisphere! If you mess with me, you mess with them! And don¡¯t think that the guilds will be enough to protect you from their wrath!¡±

    The man regurgitated the same line he had used on Daisuke and the others, but the threat fell on deaf ears. He squealed like a pig as his battered and bruised form was engulfed in the shadows of the encroaching men.

    Just until a few minutes ago, he was among them¡ªa predator perceiving the world from their perspective¡ªbut, at the flip of a coin, the roles were now revered. Now he was prey; now he would have to endure the pain and suffering he had inflicted on countless people without remorse. Now, in an ironic and tragic twist of gate, he had become a slave.

    ***

    Much to the astonishment of Daisuke, Whindel, and the others, Elmridge village came into clear view from a considerable distance away, indicating the current inactivity of the barrier. This discovery left them perplexed, especially considering Timartha¡¯s steadfast commitment to maintaining the village¡¯s concealment at all times.

    Filled with concern for the villagers¡¯ safety, a palpable sense of urgency propelled the group forward. As they approached the mound-shaped houses, they noted the path leading into the village was littered with the charred, smoking remains of numerous demons, painting a grim picture of recent events.

    Beyond the carnage, a tiny wolf pup could be seen laying on its back in the grass that hadn¡¯t been scorched by fire. The canine was receiving the royal treatment from the children¡ªbeing fanned, hand-fed, and indulged with belly rubs, a privilege usually reserved for dignitaries and kings.

    This spectacle left the approaching group dumbfounded. Against the backdrop of widespread destruction, a man, his face pale and panicked, shouted, ¡°It¡¯s the Demon King! He¡¯s holding our children hostage!¡±

    The mere mention of such a formidable and sinister figure sent the group spiraling into a comical, hopeless frenzy.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s actually¡ª¡±

    Daisuke, trying to dispel the misunderstanding, couldn¡¯t get a word in before Whindel intervened. ¡°We can¡¯t possibly ask you to do any more for us,¡± the man insisted, sporting a bitter yet grateful smile. ¡°Men!¡± he bellowed to the group, ¡°Prepare for combat! While we were in chains, our people defended our home alone! Now is our chance to atone for that disgrace!¡±

    Despite Elena, Rexar, and Milo¡¯s attempts to quell the misunderstanding that had engulfed their kin, the flames of confusion had grown so large they were practically visible, adding a touch of absurdity to the dire situation.

    The group erupted in battle cries as their enthusiasm grew. However, when Zephyr began charging toward them with exuberance, their bravado swiftly crumbled, and their confident roars morphed into timid squeals of fear.

    A hushed silence descended over the group as the pup affectionately leaped into Daisuke¡¯s arms. Overwhelmed by a sense of shame, Rexar, Milo, and Elena strolled away, leaving the disheartened group behind.

    ¡°¡­¡±

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    ¡°¡­¡±

    Whindel hesitantly extended his arm. ¡°W-Why didn¡¯t you tell us the wolf was an ally?¡±

    The careless warriors, caught in a moment of reflection on their oversight, were swiftly interrupted by the entire village surging forward to welcome them. Weeping wives, husbands, children, and other relatives threw themselves into the embrace of their loved ones, overcoming the fear that they might never see them again.

    Daisuke observed the heartfelt reunion with a warm smile. For the first time in a while, he felt that his existence clearly held meaning; that his actions had positively impacted the lives of others¡ªunfortunate folk like him who were shunned and cast aside by the rest of the world.

    ¡°Big Brother! You¡¯re back!¡±

    While April joyfully competed with Zephyr for affection, Timartha and the others greeted Daisuke and the trio with heartfelt smiles.

    ¡°Welcome back, everyone,¡± said Mia. ¡°We were all worried.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t worried,¡± admitted Aldric while sticking out his unimpressive chest. ¡°I knew you¡¯d all come back safely, especially since Haxks was there!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m happy you all came back in one piece,¡± Sylvia breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Did you all manage to accomplish what you set out to do?¡±

    ¡°Uh, for the most part,¡± replied Daisuke.

    Feng heaved a cool smile and shook his head. ¡°I gotta admit, you kids are as tough as nails. And you were right about him,¡± Feng gestured at Zephyr. ¡°He¡¯s a monster, just like you.¡±

    Daisuke laughed awkwardly, wondering if the man¡¯s words were a compliment or venom.

    ¡°These are all the mana crystals left behind by the demons,¡± said one of the elder¡¯s aides as she rested a sizable sack on the ground. ¡°Zephyr is the one who defeated them, so it¡¯s only fitting that you claim them.¡±

    Astonished, Rexar, Elena, and Milo sighed at the glimmering crystals within the open sack.

    Daisuke, more focused on understanding the situation than personal gain, inquired, ¡°Why did you lower the barrier?¡±

    Timartha, her staff always in hand, opened one eye. ¡°As Feng mentioned, the wolf proved highly effective against the demons. So we collectively decided to deactivate the barrier to draw out and eliminate all the remaining demons lurking in the forest.¡±

    ¡°So lowering the barrier essentially made it easier for the demons to track and find the village,¡± Milo explained.

    ¡°Like moths to a flame,¡± Rexar added.

    ¡°¡­That was a risky gamble,¡± Elena chimed in. ¡°But I¡¯m relieved it all worked out in the end.¡±

    Daisuke wasn¡¯t quite sure how to feel about Zephyr being regarded as a mere tool, or a means to an end in his absence. But all¡¯s well that ends well, I guess.

    ***

    ¡°¡­So that¡¯s what happened,¡± Timartha said slowly once Daisuke had finished rehashing the events that transpired in the mountain. ¡°To think such a vile operation was taking place so close to Elmridge Village.¡±

    ¡°Which is once again the result of our passive nature,¡± challenged Sylvia, her eyes cold and daring as she held her grandmother¡¯s gaze.

    The woman could only lower her head contemplatively at the blatant allegation, and while Daisuke sympathized with her, he couldn¡¯t quite find the right words to say.

    ¡°Tch!¡± Feng clicked his tongue, peeved by one particular fact. ¡°It¡¯s great that those two bastards croaked in the end, but I can¡¯t help but feel that they got off way too easy.¡±

    A muscle tensed in Rexar¡¯s jaw, then he cast an accusing gaze toward Milo who lowered his head repentantly. Elena caught a glimpse of the sour exchange, but she felt as though it was a problem that could only be solved by the both of them.

    Mia glanced up from where she sat, gauging Daisuke¡¯s expression. ¡°So, in the end we didn¡¯t learn anything about the demons or the Mhaledictus.¡±

    An almost tangible discomfort settled over the group, easing only when Daisuke injected a glimmer of hope.

    ¡°About the demons¡­ your guesses are as good as mine, but I¡¯m positive I¡¯ll learn about them if I continue traveling. As for the Mhaledictus¡­ I may have a lead¡­ I just need to confirm it.¡±

    Elena inadvertently stole a glance at Rexar, fearing the look she would garner from him, but she mustered the courage to speak her mind. ¡°Haxks¡­ I know you mean well, and I¡¯m sure everyone is more than grateful for all you¡¯ve done¡­ but to pick a fight with the Mhaledictus¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s personal,¡± interjected Daisuke, his perfectly sculpted mask momentarily crushed beneath the weight of his disdain. ¡°Zephyr and I have a bone to pick with a few of their guys.¡±

    For a moment, the room fell into a silence so thick it seemed to echo with a blend of emotions¡ªanger, fear, frustration, doubt, guilt. However, in the face of Daisuke¡¯s unwavering conviction, no one dared to voice criticism or speak.

    ¡°Big Brother! Mia!¡± April called out joyfully, her exuberance cutting through the tension as she, Aldric, and Zephyr burst into the mound-like abode. ¡°The celebrations are about to start! Let¡¯s go! What¡¯re you waiting for?!¡±

    ¡°Kyuu~¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t have a party without our guests of honor!¡± cheered Aldric with an obnoxiously wide grin. ¡°Haxks, com¡¯on already¡ªlet¡¯s go!¡±

    ¡°Whoa~¡± Daisuke exclaimed with a laugh as they both pulled him to his feet. ¡°Alright, alright, hold your horses, I¡¯m going!¡±

    ¡°Celebration?¡± Timartha asked with a confused frown. ¡°But where did we get the food and¡ª¡±

    Daisuke tousled his hair embarrassingly. ¡°It¡­ kinda may have been my idea,¡± he admitted shamefully. ¡°So I volunteered to provide all the food we need.¡±

    Timartha sighed.

    Sylvia chuckled. ¡°So much for doing far too much already.¡±

    Elena giggled at the thought of that.

    Suddenly, Whindel was the next uninvited guest to storm into the already congested house. ¡°Sorry to interrupt your stuffy meeting, but the morale of the villagers is more important right now.¡±

    Timartha sighed again, but louder.

    With his large, callused hand, Whindel grabbed Daisuke by the hood of his cloak and began dragging him outside like a rag doll. ¡°Aldric, what took you so long? You¡¯ve failed at your first task! It looks like I¡¯ll need to up the difficulty of your training!¡±

    ¡°Y-Yes, master!¡± he saluted sternly.

    ¡°When did they develop a student-master relationship?¡± Mia leaned in to ask Elena who raised her shoulders in bewilderment.

    April skipped innocently behind Whindel and Aldric while Zephyr hitched a ride on Daisuke¡¯s head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think this will be enough to cushion the blow,¡± Feng whispered briefly to Daisuke before walking away.

    Daisuke laughed awkwardly.

 CHAPTER 77: Reconciliation

    It was only in this moment of respite, as the remnants of tension from the meeting dispersed like morning mist, did the lively melodies and jubilant cheers from the festivities outside could be heard.

    As the sun prepared to embrace the distant mountains, the canvas-like sky took on a splash of vibrant hues, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the largest bonfire the forest had ever witnessed. Illuminating the features of the gathered Beastfolk, it marked a celebration of freedom and reunion, largely owed to Daisuke¡¯s kindness.

    Fish, monstron, bread, and a hearty stew graced the bowls of the people, the combined aromas weaving a web of delight that wafted on the wind. But no demons came to spirit the people away. The reality of that was intoxicating. Despite having no alcohol, the village folk were drunk on the blessing of their freedom.

    Crude musical instruments, once stowed away out of fear, emerged into the light. The night resonated with music and song, capturing the essence of the celebration.

    Daisuke found himself pulled into the dance by a lovely girl, his movements awkward and clumsy, but his smile warm as he soaked in the happiness around him.

    Amidst the festivities, Whindel raised a cup filled with water that he wished could be willed into cider. ¡°Without Haxks¡¯s noble sacrifice,¡± he bellowed, ¡°the majority of us wouldn¡¯t be here today, nor would this joyous feast be possible! Words aren¡¯t enough to express our gratitude, but let¡¯s give three cheers for Haxks and Zephyr for all they¡¯ve done! Hip-hip!¡±

    ¡°Hooray!¡±

    ¡°Hip-hip!¡±

    ¡°Hooray!¡±

    ¡°Hip-hip!¡±

    ¡°Hooray!¡±

    Wooden cups and even a few bowls of half-eaten stew were raised high, each gesture expressing the same sentiment¡ªgratitude.

    ***

    Outside of the fire¡¯s glow, Daisuke braced his back against the wooden fence of a livestock enclosure that had long since been abandoned. As he sank deeper into his thoughts, the rowdy ambience of the festivities drifted away, rendered to nothing but background noise. Now that he was away from the prying and expectant eyes of others, his expression crumpled and his breathing slowly became haggard.

    The billowing clouds released the moon from their restraints for but a moment. Slowly, Daisuke raised his trembling hands illuminated by moonlight. With these hands, he had robbed two men of their lives.

    In this world and the next, it was the first time he had ever committed murder. Even if the deed was regarded as just by others, murder couldn¡¯t truly be justified, and his heart twisted at that undeniable truth.

    To a player, an NPC was merely a complex string of numbers molded into an individual. They were dispensable, but if Daisuke readily accepted that fact, wasn¡¯t he also, by extension, disregarding his own existence? Just the thought that he was a superficial existence in a fleeting world comprised of zeros and ones made him queasy.

    Suddenly, the arrival of an uninvited voice pulled him from his chaotic stupor. ¡°So this is where you¡¯ve been hiding,¡± chided Timartha. ¡°It¡¯s not much of a celebration if the guest of honor is missing.¡±

    Without a word, Daisuke turned to mend his expression, leaning over against the fence as the elderly woman approached. ¡°¡­What¡¯s the deal with Rexar and Milo?¡± he asked, ¡°they seem to be at odds with each other ever since we returned to the village.¡±

    Timartha tilted her head skyward. As the moon was eclipsed by the shuffling clouds, a galaxy of stars glinted in the oceanic sky. ¡°Elena, Rexar, and Milo were orphaned at a very young age. They were just the sweetest things. Instead of being taken in by a single family, the entire village pretty much adopted them as their own.

    Elena grew up to be an extremely loving and empathetic child. She reciprocated the affection that everyone offered her by regarding them as her parents. She knew all the village folk personally and somehow managed to treat them all with equal love and attentiveness.¡±

    ***

    Not far outside the village, nestled at the edge of a cliff, Elena knelt ceremoniously beneath an old cedar tree. Planted around it in a neat circle were Lunarfrost Lily that were evidently foreign to the forest. They stood in stark contrast to the local flora, their gentle glow casting a warm light on Elena¡¯s still form.

    A single tear traced a path down her flushed cheek, landing on one of the small, heart-shaped carvings she cradled in her hands, staining the wood a deeper hue. Meticulously carved into the hearts were the names of the women she revered as mothers, while stars bore the names of those she held as fathers.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Her fingers, badly nicked and scarred from the carving knife, bore witness to her persistence. She endured until she gathered all the pieces required, and the sheer number of fragments she assembled was undeniably heart-wrenching.

    The leaves of the tree rustled in a gentle breeze, as if whispering words of comfort. Raising her mournful gaze, Elena directed her attention to a hollow in the tree trunk. Resembling a nest cradling precious eggs, it was adorned with hay, cotton, and tatters of multicolored fabric. However, instead of eggs, the hollow sheltered many other hearts and stars.

    With a gentle motion, Elena reverently added the new pieces among the others, her heart shattering with each placement. The village folk were more than friends, acquaintances, or neighbors; they were her family, unrelated by blood but deeply cherished. She knew them intimately¡ªtheir quirks, charms, flaws, and the simple things that made each one special.

    When she placed the final wooden carving in its final resting place, Elena slowly, reluctantly, rose to her feet. She passed a final glance and a wan smile at the tree trunk festooned with ornaments¡ªher own personal shrine, then turned toward the light emanating from the village.

    Though faint, the distant strains of music reached her ears. As she imagined the villagers singing, dancing, and laughing around the roaring fire, Elena found a modicum of solace. The celebration served as a warm reminder that she was not alone, that traces of her family still remained by her side.

    ***

    Timartha gazed out into the blackness of the forest, as if she could sense Elena across the distance and thicket that separated them. ¡°Unlike Elena, Milo and Rexar only had a few people that they were particularly close to. Milo was shy and introverted; he would show his affection from afar and through his actions. Rexar, on the other hand, loved attention and being pampered. He was always clinging to skirts and following the women around.¡±

    ¡°Rexar?¡± asked Daisuke in disbelief. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not mistaking him for someone else?¡±

    The elder laughed.

    ***

    Milo sat on a log a fair distance away from the bonfire, his features dimly highlighted by the raging flame. His gaze, stirring with emotions, was fixed unseeingly on his half-eaten bowl of stew.

    Suddenly, his daze was shattered by the sound of footsteps. His heartbeat drummed in his ears and his hands became clammy when he noticed Rexar¡¯s approach, the Wolfkin¡¯s expression hard and unreadable.

    Milo looked up and swallowed nervously when the boy came to a stop in front of him, his towering appearance seemingly more daunting than it was a few hours ago.

    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± asked Rexar, his expression unnervingly close to a sneer.

    ¡°W-What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t play coy with me!¡± snapped Rexar. ¡°I¡¯m talking about what happened in the mountain!¡±

    Milo lowered his gaze, his grip tightening around the wooden bowl. ¡°I¡¯m a healer,¡± he responded, his voice but a whisper.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Rexar barked. ¡°Speak up!¡±

    Milo¡¯s expression crumpled. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ my responsibility to heal those who are in need, no matter who they are¡­¡±

    ¡°You bastard!¡± Rexar scoffed, gathering him up by the collar. ¡°I can¡¯t believe¡ª¡±

    Milo wrenched away his hands with a scowl. ¡°It¡¯s my duty as a healer!¡± he exclaimed, gripping the garment above his heart. ¡°And yet...  I only wanted to heal him so that he could be made to pay for the evil he had committed.¡±

    Rexar¡ªbeing more straightforward and confrontational than Elena¡ªwas visibly upset that Vernie, who was in control of the demons, died without facing true justice for his sins.

    But Milo¡¯s sentiments were just the same, and Rexar didn¡¯t even remotely realize that. If anything, Milo felt more torn up inside because he was the sole catalyst who could feasibly have Vernie live to pay for his heinous crimes, but he failed.

    Rexar took a step back, his expression chagrined, and his heart sank when he noted Milo unconsciously pressing his hand to the shoulder where he had been injured.

    Like a broken dam, memories came flooding into Rexar¡¯s mind. He recalled how Milo had recklessly thrown himself into harm¡¯s way to protect him despite all the horrible things he had said just moments before. Even now, instead of apologizing and thanking him for the selfless act, Rexar¡¯s decision was a heartless confrontation. Now that his anger had cooled and it was possible for him to rationally assess the situation from another perspective, he felt truly horrible.

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry,¡± he finally said, his head hung. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have said what I did in the mountain. I¡ª¡±

    ¡°He got the easy way out,¡± Milo admitted dejectedly, his eyes somewhat vacant. ¡°Death was too good for him.¡±

    Rexar dropped his hands on Milo¡¯s shoulders jarringly, stirring him from his stupor. ¡°He was crushed from the waist down; I highly doubt any level of first-aid would have kept him alive for a second longer.¡±

    Milo¡¯s eyes quivered as they regained focus, and he couldn¡¯t help but remember the excessive amounts of blood the man had already lost.

    ¡°I think Haxks knew that better than anyone,¡± Rexar continued. ¡°Promising to get him all patched up were just empty words; Haxks was just trying to get answers out of a tight-lipped bastard with one leg already in the grave.¡±

    Milo held his gaze, and Rexar¡¯s expression softened. It was alarming that such a simple misunderstanding had him riled up to such a degree. ¡°By the way¡­ that bastard isn¡¯t what I was apologizing about.¡±

    Milo waited patiently, and Rexar scratched his cheek awkwardly, a treacherous blush staining his cheeks. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry that I called you a human¡ªuh, not that anything is wrong with being human,¡± he gushed. ¡°A reasonable amount of them is good¡ªah, maybe not that many but¡­ enough.¡±

    Milo giggled, and Rexar tousled his hair aggressively. ¡°What I mean is¡­ I¡¯m sure I made you out to be a bad guy when you¡¯re evidently not. You saved my life.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯m sure he would do it again in a heartbeat,¡± a familiar voice chimed in. ¡°I would certainly do the same for him, or for you.¡±

    ¡°Elena¡­¡±

    Milo heaved a warm smile, taking in Rexar¡¯s rare show of befuddlement. Then he pulled them both into a hug. ¡°When I think about us, it¡¯s not as human and Beastkin, but as brother and sister¡ªa family with the same blood flowing through our veins¡­ people striving for happiness under the same moon.¡±

    After his heartfelt words, the moon broke free from the clouds, its soft glow casting a serene aura over the trio. The night embraced them in a hushed luminescence, transforming their shared moment into a tranquil scene beneath the moonlit sky.

 CHAPTER 78: The Inevitable Departure

    Daisuke and Timartha exchanged smiles, their eyes capturing the heartfelt reconciliation between Milo and Rexar in the distance. With a subtle grace, Timartha lifted her gaze, following the path of the staff she held aloft in her hand.

    ¡°Now, if only this staff could weave a tangible barrier¡­ shielding the village from the outside world. It would allow me to safeguard the people and preserve the bonds they¡¯ve forged.¡±

    Suddenly, without warning, Daisuke flicked her forehead. Timartha cried out in pain, dropping her cherished staff to the ground as she clutched her steaming forehead with both hands.

    ¡°Y-You brute!¡± she hissed. ¡°How could you do such a thing to a decrepit old woman! Don¡¯t you have a heart?¡±

    Ignoring her protest with a wan smile, Daisuke turned to lean against the wooden fence again. Then his eyes softened. ¡°¡­The earliest memories of my life are of the dark, rundown hut that I lived in with my mother. I can still recall every detail: the bats in the roof, the standing mirror against the stained old bathtub, the lopsided table with the single candle we had to use conservatively, and the curtain that separated the front and bedroom door from the dining room and kitchen.¡±

    Timartha lowered her arms, listening attentively.

    ¡°Like you, my mother was very overprotective¡­ but now that I think about it, it really was just a nice way to say that she was a coward. I spent many years in isolation due to the fear she instilled in me¡ªno, I was genuinely afraid of the unknowns of the world. That negativity left me without drive or direction.

    But when circumstances finally forced me to step out into the world, I immediately understood what I needed to do. I learned the harsh reality that, without power and influence, life would be a living hell.¡±

    Daisuke turned, his gaze locking with the elder¡¯s. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t found the courage to embark on this path, I wouldn¡¯t have met Elena and the others¡ªmeaning the village would still likely be bracing for another invasion.¡±

    Timartha¡¯s lips pressed into a line as she pondered his words.

    ¡°When we were trapped inside the dungeon, instead of just guiding those three out, I chose to make them stronger instead. Based on my own experiences, I knew they were bound to face more adversities, and I wouldn¡¯t always be there to save them.

    My dad used to say, ¡®If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. But teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.¡¯¡±

    Daisuke gestured at the staff as Timartha reached down to retrieve it. ¡°This thing merely conceals the village from prying eyes, which isn¡¯t very effective against the demon¡¯s keen sense of smell. It¡¯s not impossible for the village to be attacked again¡ªand in the event that it ever is, everyone needs to build up their strength.

    Running away,¡± he shifted his gaze to Sylvia who had just arrived on the scene, ¡°and hiding,¡± he reverted his gaze back to the elder, ¡°aren¡¯t the true paths to peace and happiness in this world. I know it¡¯s harsh, but it¡¯s imperative that Elmridge gathers the strength to drive away its enemies.¡±

    ***

    The next day at noon, the entire village assembled at the front gates, a collective grogginess lingering from the festivities that stretched well into the wee hours of the morning.

    Some who were gathered had sagging ears and bushy tails¡ªa visible sign of sleep-deprivation. At the forefront stood the village¡¯s key figures, their bittersweet gazes expressing gratitude for Daisuke¡¯s deeds yet tinged with sadness for his impending departure.

    April, the only one seemingly unaware of the gathering¡¯s somber undertone, stood amidst the crowd. Her wide-eyed innocence contrasted with the bittersweet gazes around her. She looked from left to right, her hair swaying with each curious movement, unable to comprehend the weight of the moment.

    ¡°Big Brother?¡± she said questioningly. ¡°Why is everyone gathered here? Did something happen?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re¡­ here to see me off,¡± explained Daisuke. ¡°I¡¯m getting ready to leave the village.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Then I¡¯ll get my things,¡± she said while turning, but Daisuke caught her hand in a gentle grip, the telling gleam in his eyes making her heart tighten. ¡°No¡­ I don¡¯t want that,¡± she shook her head in denial, her once cheerful expression changing to grief.

    Daisuke crouched and rested his hand atop her head, but she swept it away and pouted as tears welled up in her eyes. ¡°No! I don¡¯t want us to be separated again! It¡¯s not fair!¡±

    Noting her distress, Zephyr approached and began rubbing his body against her leg with a whimper, but she ignored him. Mia, Aldric, Sylvia, Feng, the trio, and the elder looked on morosely, but they knew their words wouldn¡¯t be enough to console the little girl.

    ¡°April¡­ I know my decision may seem selfish, but your Big Brother¡¯s just trying to keep you and everyone else safe,¡± said Daisuke, then he began projecting his voice. ¡°It may not seem like it, but I don¡¯t currently have what it takes to keep you and everyone else safe. To properly do that, I need to amass a lot of strength and power. And in the process of doing so, I may not always be able to protect you.¡±

    April sniffled, clumsily using the back of her small hands to wipe away her tears. But like a leaking faucet, the stream just kept on flowing uncontrollably.

    As heartbroken and dissatisfied as she was, April was no fool. Other kids her age could hardly distinguish fantasy from reality, but she grew up in the slums; she understood that life wasn¡¯t all rainbows and butterflies. Street smarts and sharp observational skills were a recipe for survival.

    The world was harsh and unforgiving, and those who were poor and underprivileged were always caught between a rock and a hard place. If you couldn¡¯t roll with the punches, you¡¯d just be knocked down and trampled.

    The reality that her big brother couldn¡¯t prevent his mother¡¯s death, nor could he shield them from being forcibly taken away by slave traders, highlighted his imperfections and the challenges he still faced.

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Without a word, April nodded, her head hung dejectedly.

    ¡°I have something for you,¡± Daisuke whispered, lifting his clenched fist.

    April looked up in time to witness as a ring fell and dangled from his finger, connected by a delicate string. For a moment, she found herself captivated by the russet-colored gemstone that closely mirrored the hue of her own hair.

    ¡°It¡¯s an invisibility ring,¡± Daisuke informed in a soft undertone as he gently placed it around her neck. ¡°Should anything ever happen to the village and you¡¯re left alone, use it to escape to the nearest town.¡±

    April traced her finger along the smooth silver band of the accessory, her eyes gleaming in awe.

    ¡°Once you¡¯re in a town,¡± Daisuke continued, ¡°find the guild and give my name to the clerk; she should be able to contact me remotely and I¡¯ll come running to get you.¡±

    April nodded exuberantly. She was particularly excited that her brother was willing to drop everything and ¡®run to her¡¯.

    ¡°Are you ready for your other gift?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s more?¡± she beamed, her eyes widening endearingly.

    Daisuke chuckled and stroked her head. When he retrieved his hand, it was suddenly clutching a stuffed bear¡ªa parlor trick that was made possible by his digital inventory.

    ¡°M-Mr. Honeykins?!¡± exclaimed April as she clutched the toy. Unlike her previous stuffed bear, this one had a lighter brown complexion and it wore a small top hat and a monocle. ¡°But¡­ he looks a bit different.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± responded Daisuke. ¡°While you both were apart, Mr. Honeykins decided to go to medical school. He spent so much time studying indoors that he got a bit lighter.¡±

    Aldric snickered. ¡°Mr. Honeykins,¡± he said mockingly, only to be karate-chopped in the head by Mia.

    Daisuke stood and passed a glance over the people he was happy to call his friends. ¡°Elena, Rexar, Milo, and Feng¡­ you four are the only true combatants in the village and the sole defenders of the people. You guys are strong, so don¡¯t become complacent¡ªcontinue building your strength, and consider training the kids,¡± he said as he looked to April, Mia, and Aldric.

    ¡°M-May I also take part in this training?¡± asked Whindel hesitantly as he approached. ¡°I can¡¯t stand idly by and allow myself to be protected by children.¡±

    All the men who were kidnapped and committed to manual labor stepped forward in agreement, their eyes burning with patriotism and a desperate need for redemption.

    ¡°The more the merrier I say,¡± replied Feng with a cool smile.

    Everyone else nodded.

    Milo took a step toward Daisuke and politely bowed. ¡°Thank you for everything. I¡¯ll work hard to live up to your expectations.¡±

    Rexar was the next to approach. He outstretched his arm, resting his fist on Daisuke¡¯s chest. ¡°I would¡¯ve long surpassed you by the time we meet again. Ensure you don¡¯t kick the bucket before we get the chance to face off against¡ª¡±

    April kicked him in the shin. ¡°Shut up! Big Brother¡¯s not going to die!¡±

    ¡°AHHH!¡± Rexar cried out, hopping around comically and rubbing his leg as if it were on fire.

    Elena giggled, then she sheepishly approached and pressed a light kiss to Daisuke¡¯s cheek. ¡°We¡¯ll take good care of April. Just be sure to come back to us safely, okay.¡±

    April¡¯s cheeks inflated like a balloon at the sight of that, and Daisuke smiled awkwardly in response. When he stooped down and allowed her to kiss his other cheek to cool the fires of her jealousy, Elena¡¯s own cheeks swelled up like a pufferfish and everyone laughed.

    Sylvia, Timartha, and Feng acknowledged Daisuke with a nod. Inclined towards a more reserved demeanor in public gatherings, each of them had individually taken Daisuke aside earlier and expressed their heartfelt gratitude for all he had done.

    As the villagers waved and shouted words of gratitude and farewell, Daisuke began to depart, only to pause abruptly.

    ¡°Oh, that reminds me.¡±

    With a casual wave of his hand, the substantial pile of mana crystals, metal ores, and assorted materials looted from the mountain manifested on a large red carpet.

    Stunned gasps rippled through the onlookers as the unexpected display unfolded. While everyone was still reeling from shock, Daisuke activated the Eye of Verity to assess the grade of the crystals, only to be suddenly assaulted by the dark and malevolent energy it exuded.

    For a moment, his expression crumpled, and his stance faltered under the weight of the sensation. It was akin to being in a small, confined space that was gradually being filled with carbon dioxide and shrinking in size¡ªa frighteningly suffocating and traumatic experience.

    How then did people incorporate mana crystals into their homes without experiencing any measure of discomfort? Given the brutal ordeal he just endured, Daisuke pondered whether extended exposure to mana crystals might pose some form of medical harm to the body.

    ¡°Haxks, are you alright?¡± Elena inquired on behalf of everyone who noticed his peculiar behavior. ¡°You look a bit pale.¡±

    Daisuke raised his hand as he took a moment to find his breath. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he replied with a reassuring smile, ¡°I guess I¡¯ve just been overexerting my abilities a bit.¡±

    ¡°In that case,¡± Mia suggested, ¡°wouldn¡¯t it be better if you rested a bit more before you left?¡±

    April clutched Mr. Honeykins worrisomely, but her embrace loosened a tad when Daisuke began stroking her hair tenderly, all traces of his previous discomfort gone. ¡°A tempting offer, but the durability of the Warden¡¯s Staff won¡¯t last forever; I need to leave so that I can start figuring out a solution.¡±

    Feng approached the glittering horde of riches and plucked a single gold nugget from the heap to inspect. ¡°Care to explain why you just dumped thousands of gold worth of materials at our feet?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s yours,¡± Daisuke simply said.

    In the midst of astonished whispers and the cocked ears of her kin, Elena gently parted her lips to speak. ¡°Huh? But we couldn¡¯t¡­ you¡¯re the one who saved our village.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± Timartha chimed in. ¡°We¡¯re a poor village; we couldn¡¯t offer you anything for all you¡¯ve done for us. Surely you wouldn¡¯t make us any more indebted to you than we already are.¡±

    Frustrated, Daisuke shifted his attention to Feng and Sylvia, whom he considered more transparent and down-to-earth than anyone else. ¡°Use this gold to build yourselves a proper village,¡± he declared robustly. ¡°Leave no expense spared in constructing a sturdy wall around it. If you¡¯re looking for a way to repay me, then ensure your well-being and take care of Mia and April until I return.¡±

    ¡°Consider it done,¡± Feng responded with an equally determined expression.

    ¡°Ehhh?¡± Everyone burst out in chorus, their collective surprise resonating through the gathered assembly.

    ¡°One more thing,¡± said Daisuke.

    Timartha sighed and shook her head in a mixture of exasperation and fondness as their determined savior bestowed upon Feng the Jet-black Boots and Garment he had received from Keith. Not stopping there, Rexar, Elena, and Milo, in addition to Feng, were also each gifted with a Perseverance Ring.

    ¡°Just some added protection,¡± Daisuke explained, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity. ¡°You only get one barrier, so make it count. By the way,¡± he said while waving around the map he had found in the mountain. ¡°I¡¯ll be keeping this.¡±

    They all took a moment to admire the rings, their eyes lingering on the subtle glint of resilience. Then they lifted their gazes to thank Daisuke, who had already set forth on his journey. An unspoken sadness settled over them as they watched his figure gradually disappearing from view.

    ¡°Kyuu~¡±

    April¡¯s touch was tender as she reached down, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she caressed the whimpering Zephyr. ¡°I¡¯ll miss you too,¡± she murmured softly, her voice filled with heartfelt emotion.

    Mia¡¯s smile radiated warmth as she winked at the pup, her affection for him evident in the curve of her lips. ¡°Look after Haxks for me,¡± she said, her voice tender and sincere. ¡°Ensure you both come back to us safely.¡±

    ¡°Arf!¡± Zephyr¡¯s bark echoed with reassurance, carrying a promise of loyalty as he dashed off.

    ¡°Sell those mana crystals as soon as you can,¡± were the last words Daisuke imparted onto the Beastfolk of Elmridge Village before he vanished from both sight and sound.

    DING!

    [The quest ?Demonic Consequences? has been completed!]

    [23,700 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [Affinity with the village folk is now 100%.]

    [Level Up!]

 VOLUME III: POWER & PURPOSE | CHAPTER 79: Feral Subterfuge

    In a small clearing within a forest, a familiar party of four were gathered around a fire. A young warrior was busy organizing an array of debuff potions and attack consumables he had acquired for combat.

    An archer diligently carved and tapered the wooden shafts of arrows, affixing stone tips to each one. A redheaded mage¡ªthe sole member of the group who was simply lounging around¡ªcast impatient glances at the healer who was busy stirring a pot of stew.

    Using a large ladle, and being extra careful not to stain her white garment, the girl gingerly portioned the hearty meal into a bowl and passed it to her companion.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± she cautioned, her smile shy and sincere. ¡°It¡¯s still very hot.¡±

    The mage extended both hands to accept, but a misplaced finger ended up making contact with the piping hot gravy. ¡°Ouch!¡± she exclaimed, fumbling with the bowl. She managed to save it from falling, but not without spilling several droplets onto the girl¡¯s clothes. ¡°Oh god, I¡¯m so sorry.¡±

    The healer raised both her hands dismissively, pretending that she didn¡¯t notice the girl¡¯s sly smile. ¡°I-It¡¯s fine,¡± she said. ¡°It was just an accident. More importantly, how¡¯s your finger? Do you require healing?¡±

    For but a fleeting moment, the mage¡¯s expression contorted in disgust at the mere thought of receiving treatment from the girl. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she reassured, exerting the bare minimum of effort to conceal her contempt. ¡°I was just surprised, is all.¡±

    As the healer portioned the stew for the others, the mage tentatively took a bite and immediately recoiled at the foul taste. Despite her initial annoyance, a mischievous smile soon crept onto her lips at the thought of how the warrior would react¡ª

    CRASH!

    The youth furiously hurled the bowl to the ground, sending a splatter of meat, vegetables, and hot gravy coating the green grass. ¡°What the hell did you just try to make me eat?¡± he snapped, spitting out the offending morsel from his mouth.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry,¡± the healer let out a frightened peep.

    The youth¡¯s hand struck out, sending her crashing to the ground with a reddened cheek. ¡°Sorry? Is that all you can say? Do you think your worthless apology¡¯s going to salvage all this wasted food?¡±

    The archer observed without a word.

    The journey of an adventurer was a treacherous path, fraught with the shadows of death and the specter of uncertainty. In a world as ruthless and indifferent as the one they traversed, Price¡ªa cowardly warrior¡ªsought refuge in asserting dominance over those he deemed weaker. This illusion of absolute control became his sanctuary, a seductive elixir that made him feel invincible and alive in an otherwise overwhelming world.

    Likewise, the mage Lilith found herself entangled in the same cycle of abusive behavior, driven by the fear of becoming the next victim herself.

    ¡°Why exactly does the food taste like cardboard?¡± Price demanded, looming over the quivering healer like an enraged minotaur.

    Amara kept her gaze down in fear of being struck again. ¡°¡­Y-You used all our funds to buy the debuff potions,¡± she admitted sheepishly, ¡°so we didn¡¯t have enough to buy any seasonings for cooking.¡±

    Price¡¯s countenance remained steadfast, devoid of even a hint of shame or regret. In his own perception, he stood as a god among them; he hadn¡¯t the capacity to make mistakes.

    Before he could deliver another backhanded blow to the sniveling girl for an error he himself had made, a distant rustling caught his attention, diverting his focus to more pressing concerns.

    ¡°Monsters,¡± the archer was able to deduce with a keen sense of sight and smell.

    Everyone ducked down and clutched their weapons in response.

    TTTCHHH~

    Swiftly, Price overturned the remnants of the stew onto the fire, extinguishing the flames in a sizzle of steam. For a fleeting moment, he found a grim satisfaction in repurposing the bland meal. However, his heart sank as the pungent aroma began to permeate the air, threatening to betray their concealed location.

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    While the rest of the party concealed themselves in the brush, the archer, Morgana, skillfully ascended a nearby tree to gain a vantage point.

    From her lofty perch amidst the thick foliage, she observed a procession of goblins moving through the forest below. Oblivious to their surroundings, they appeared singularly focused on their mission: transporting a haul of game and larger prey back to their lair.

    Upon descending the tree, Lilith inquired eagerly, ¡°What did you see?¡±

    ¡°A group of goblins. They¡¯re¡­ transporting the monsters they hunted.¡±

    ¡°Transporting?¡± Price interjected, his brow furrowing in confusion. ¡°That¡¯s peculiar.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± Lilith inquired.

    ¡°Goblins typically refrain from transporting food back to their lair, fearing that they may attract predators,¡± Morgana took the initiative to explain.

    Amara pursed her lips, careful not to speak out of turn.

    ¡°Do you think they¡¯re the same goblins we¡¯re after?¡± asked Lilith.

    ¡°The village is pretty nearby,¡± said Morgana, ¡°so there¡¯s a high possibility that¡¯s the case.¡±

    ¡°Does it really matter?¡± Price countered, his expression clouded with bitterness. ¡°All monsters deserve to die.¡±

    It does matter, Amara argued mentally with a train of thought she dared not voice aloud. We¡¯re only equipped with limited resources for this assignment, and our funds are low. If we act recklessly and fail to complete this job¡­

    Price cast an unfriendly glance in her direction, as if he could discern her thoughts. However, in reality, he was simply reaching for the map protruding from the large pack she was burdened with carrying.

    ¡°To avoid raising any alarms, we¡¯ll give the goblins a head start before we begin tracking them,¡± Price announced, his gaze shifting from the map to Morgana with a meaningful look. ¡°At the same time, we¡¯ll navigate to the village and see if the destination aligns.¡±

    Everyone nodded in confirmation.

    ***

    Despite her limited experience as a tracker, Morgana found it relatively easy to discern the telltale signs left behind by the goblins. The undergrowth was disturbed, footprints and broken branches littered the path, and the unmistakable trail of fresh blood from the hunted monsters further confirmed their direction.

    As Morgana withdrew her hand from the small footprint embedded in the forest floor, she noted its size and depth. The impression suggested that its owner was burdened by the weight of the heavy bounty it carried.

    ¡°There¡¯s no doubt about it,¡± she confirmed while maintaining her crouched position. ¡°They¡¯ve definitely made their way into the village.¡±

    A few feet ahead, Lilith and Price knelt behind the cover of thick bushes. They diverted their gazes from the convinced archer and toward the village gates looming just beyond the edge of the forest.

    ¡°Do you see anything?¡± Morgana inquired, her voice hushed.

    Price peered from the concealing embrace of the brush and into the village through its open gates. ¡°Nothing. There are no signs of people or the goblins.¡±

    ¡°They could be hiding inside of the houses,¡± Lilith suggested. ¡°That tryhard at the guild did mention how crafty goblins can be.¡±

    Price¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°True, but I doubt they¡¯re that cunning. Morgana, come take a look. Your senses are sharper; you might pick up on something.¡±

    ¡°Stay put,¡± Morgana directed Amara with a slurred voice.

    The girl nodded meekly.

    Morgana gingerly made her way between the warrior and mage, her sharp eyes scanning the village from their constrained vantage point. ¡°The immediate rooftops and the wall beyond the gate are clear. It¡¯s eerily silent, too. Maybe the goblins simply made their way through the village?¡±

    ¡°A-According to the map,¡± Amara interjected nervously, ¡°there¡¯s a mountain just beyond the village. And, um, goblins are known for their ability to see in the dark. Maybe they¡¯re living inside that cave.¡±

    Lilith leered at the girl, irritated that her analogy made any kind of sense. She was even more annoyed when Price readily shoved aside his abusive and chauvinistic tendencies and embraced the notion. Without delay, he sprang into action.

    ¡°I think a minor irregularity is making us overly cautious about the goblins,¡± he remarked as he rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. ¡°Let¡¯s proceed into the village with the usual battle formation.¡±

    Everyone exchanged nervous glances before nodding in agreement.

    It was only upon entering the village that everyone grasped the unsettling extent of the eerie silence Morgana had mentioned earlier. The doors and windows of the houses stood wide open, revealing an unsettling emptiness within. In one home, a table remained set with food for four, untouched and abandoned.

    The typical signs of a monster raid were nonexistent. There was no trace of blood, corpses, or destruction anywhere to be found. It was as if all the residents had been spirited away without a trace.

    Price cautiously ventured deeper into the settlement, his sword stance awkward and unthreatening. The mage followed closely behind, trailed by the healer and archer, all equally unsettled by the ominous atmosphere that enveloped the deserted village.

    ¡°Hey, guys,¡± Morgana called out, the urgency in her tone commanding immediate attention.

    The party swiftly converged on her location, where they observed Morgana crouched over a patch of ground. With a light touch, she began brushing away the surface layer of dirt, gradually revealing streaks and splotches of blood.

    A collective gasp escaped their lips as everyone¡¯s faces contorted in horror. Something sinister had unfolded in this village. As their gazes flitted around, it became painfully clear that there were subtle but unmistakable signs of an invasion and a slaughter, followed by a meticulous cover-up.

    But why?

    Before the party could voice their concerns or even attempt to flee, they were suddenly ambushed by a large group of goblins emerging from the most unconventional of hiding places.

 CHAPTER 80: What Goes Around Comes Around â€“ A Fate Worse Than Death

    ¡°Khekeh!¡±

    ¡°Kiieegh!¡±

    ¡°Ghegki!

    ¡°Do you still think this is a minor irregularity?¡± Lilith scoffed at Price, her tone laced with defiance.

    The green, potbellied monsters didn¡¯t give the warrior an opportunity to silence the outspoken mage. Without fear or hesitation, they advanced, their faces contorted in nasty sneers. Knives, cleavers, axes, clubs¡ªeach goblin wielded a menacing array of weapons.

    Price broke into a cold sweat as he stared at the weapons, each one stained with the telltale signs of blood. As he imagined his own blood giving the weapons a fresh paint, he let out a cowardly battle cry, his eyes wide with fear.

    Instead of meeting the advancing beasts with his sword like a proper warrior, Price frantically reached for the vials of liquid secured to his hips. In a desperate bid for survival, he hurled the expensive investments at the incoming horde.

    The glass bottles exploded on impact, unleashing a cacophony of elemental chaos upon the goblin assailants. Fire roared, ice crackled, acid sizzled, and poison spread, engulfing the creatures in a maelstrom of destruction.

    Kiiiieeehhhk!!

    As the goblins flailed and screeched in agony, Price clumsily charged into the fray with his sword, hacking and cleaving through their ranks in a frenzy. With each swing of his blade, he rent flesh and bone, sending blood and gore spraying in all directions.

    WHOOOSHH!

    Following a swift incantation, a wheel of fire materialized and shot forth from the tip of Lilith¡¯s wand, engulfing a group of unsuspecting goblins in a searing inferno. They screamed and flailed fruitlessly as the putrid stench of burning hair and flesh permeated the air.

    However, instead of succumbing to fear, the goblins¡¯ rage only intensified. With a collective roar of fury, they turned their attention to the mage who was already weaving the words for another deadly spell.

    THWACK!

    An arrow from a goblin archer found its mark in Lilith¡¯s shoulder with a sickening thud. A sharp cry of agony escaped her lips as searing pain lanced through her body, causing her to crumple to the ground in torment. Her wand slipped from her grasp, clattering to the ground beside her.

    ¡°Wh-what¡¯re you doing?!¡± she yelled at Amara in both alarm and disdain, her eyes wide with panic. ¡°Hurry up and cast a healing spell!¡±

    Amara staggered back, tears brimming in her eyes as she watched the chaos unfold before her. She was utterly petrified by the violence and death that was more overwhelming than what she read in the textbooks.

    ¡°You stupid bitch!¡± Lilith cursed through gritted teeth, her other hand reaching out for her wand with desperation. But before she could grasp the weapon, a thrown dagger found its mark in that shoulder with another sickening thud.

    She couldn¡¯t even react to the burning pain before the savage beasts fell upon her like a pack of wild dogs. But instead of satisfying their appetites for food or revenge, the goblins had another desire that was inspired by their leader.

    Lilith cried out in terror as her clothes were violently torn from her body, leaving her exposed and vulnerable. The once battle-hardened expressions of the goblins transformed into lecherous grins and sinister snickers as they beheld her flushed and silky skin.

    Instinctively, Lilith attempted to curl into a protective ball, but the green devils pinned her hands and feet, rendering her helpless. A pair of goblins seized her breasts, their razor-sharp teeth menacingly close as their tongues curled around her vulnerable nipples, wringing a shudder of revulsion and dread from her.

    Amara stumbled backward in horror and disbelief, her heart pounding in her chest as she fell to the ground. She could only watch in abject shock as every orifice of the girl was used and abused¡ªviolated by the hordes of goblins that swarmed around her like a violent wave.

    ¡°B-Blergh!¡±

    Price tore his gaze away from the ghastly scene unfolding before him, his stomach churning at the sight of the vomiting healer. He didn¡¯t have any time to be concerned with others, not when his supply of debuff and attack potions were dangerously low and the ranks of the goblins were swelling well beyond his control.

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    ¡°Morgana, what¡¯re you doing?!¡± he yelled angrily, his eyes wild with urgency. ¡°Hurry up and cover me!¡±

    The archer downed a pair of goblins that narrowly missed restraining her before she turned to the warrior with a puzzled gaze. Ignoring her own dilemma, she addressed the one that was the most pressing.

    ¡°What about Lilith?!¡± she demanded worrisomely.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I need you to cover me!¡± Price bellowed back.

    Morgana did as instructed, a deluge of arrows raining down upon the goblins up front that was about to mount an overwhelming assault.

    Price didn¡¯t squander the opportunity. He turned and began sprinting at full speed, his heart pounding in his chest. But another wave was already hot on his heels, their claws outstretched as they closed in on him with terrifying speed.

    ¡°Kyaaaaak!¡±

    Without an ounce of regret, the desperate warrior shoved the helpless healer into the encroaching horde. Then he raced by Lilith and Morgana without so much as a glance, his focus fixated on the open gates a mere stone throw away.

    Suddenly, a group of roughed and menacing figures rounded a corner, brandishing impressive weapons and clad in leather and armored gear. For a fleeting moment, Price mistook them for fellow adventurers. However, the sinister gleam in their eyes and the predatory grins etched on their faces shattered that illusion in an instant. They were bandits, and they were somehow in league with the goblins.

    Price¡¯s hand trembled as it hovered above his hip, but instead of reaching for his sword, he hurled a vial containing a peppery vapor at the bandits in a desperate attempt to keep them at bay. Yet, before he could slip through the gates and escape, he was ensnared by an Orc that was entering the village.

    Amidst the chaos of betrayal and relentless attacks, Morgana continued to find deadly marks for her arrows while ensuring Amara¡¯s safety. But it wasn¡¯t long before her quiver ran dry, leaving her defenseless against the encroaching horde of goblins.

    ¡°HALT!!¡±

    For better or for worse, a booming voice shattered the spell of madness, commanding attention and bringing a sudden stillness to the chaotic scene. The threatening claws of the goblins paused in their advance as all eyes turned towards the source of the authoritative voice.

    In that moment of respite, the tip of a cutlass hovered mere inches from Morgana¡¯s eyeball, frozen in mid-air. The Orc¡¯s thick fingers loosened their grip around Price¡¯s neck, and the rolling waves that did the unspeakable to Lilith ceased.

    I-Is that a Hobgoblin? Price thought hesitantly, his gaze fixed on the creature that clutched a peculiar staff.

    Morgana¡¯s expression turned pale. Did¡­ that goblin just speak?

    The goblin in question stood several inches taller than its kin, its daunting figure devoid of the typical potbelly and instead boasting a hardened stomach. It was draped in a ragged cloak and a loincloth adorned with a large skull at the front.

    As it slowly approached, Amara studied its grayed beard and wizened countenance, noting a sense of refinement that set it apart from the wild and uncivilized demeanor of the other goblins. Yet, despite its composed appearance, a simmering anger radiated from its gaze as it surveyed the scene, its fury palpable at the sight of Lilith¡¯s motionless body beneath a horde of his lustful counterparts.

    In a bizarre display of subservience, the imposing Orc silently knelt before the goblin, presenting his trophy with a reverent gesture. Price desperately writhed and squirmed, but he couldn¡¯t free himself from the vice-like grip of the monstrous fiend.

    In the same beat, the leader of the bandits approached like a sewer rat attempting to scavenge a risky meal. ¡°Hey, Boss,¡± he called with a nervous grin, eagerly rubbing his hands together like a greedy merchant. ¡°¡­won¡¯t you consider handing over one of these girls this time? The boys and I would be eternally grateful. What¡¯dya say?¡±

    The bandits eyed the archer and healer with salacious hunger, their lecherous gazes treating them like mere slabs of meat on a platter. Their tongues wagged in anticipation as they pantomimed inappropriate gestures, their depravity on full display.

    Without uttering a single word, the elder goblin signaled to the Orc. In a swift motion, the beast¡¯s meaty arm lashed out like a thick club, delivering a punishing blow to the bastard¡¯s face. The impact sent him hurtling through the air and crashing into the ranks of his men.

    The elder regarded the bandits with disdain, his grip tightening around his staff. ¡°Wasn¡¯t the arrangement for you lot to take all the weapons and other valuables while we claimed the humans for ourselves?¡± he questioned, his voice dripping with contempt.

    The man clutched his bloody nose, his lackeys assisting him to sit upright while they growled and sneered in his defense. But he calmly kept them in line.

    Ignoring them, the elder angrily turned his attention to the unresponsive female beneath the weight of his kin. He was grateful for the loyalty and hard work of his underlings, but their primitive behavior and lack of self-control often proved burdensome. Nevertheless, he knew he couldn¡¯t change the course of events; the damage had already been done.

    With a simple wave of his hand, the goblins, devoid of any semblance of remorse, continued to indulge in their savage acts without restraint.

    In that moment, any misconception that Amara and Morgana held about the elder goblin was shattered. This monster was not merely a mindless brute like the other goblins; he possessed intelligence, making him infinitely more dangerous.

    Price paled as the elder goblin gestured toward him next, his heart sinking as he observed the Orc drooling profusely. He was certain he was about to be devoured then and there, but as his armor, weapon, and even his underwear were confiscated, he realized his fate was far more sinister.

    With frantic desperation, he clawed and flailed as he was hoisted over the shoulder of the massive beast and swiftly carried away.

 CHAPTER 81: Observation & Planning

    Finally, the elder¡¯s nefarious gaze fell upon the two remaining humans who had yet to learn their fate. As the creature advanced, Morgana instinctively stepped in front of the terrified Amara, shielding her from harm. With a quick assessment of their surroundings, she searched for an escape route, but the goblins had them trapped within a tight circle, leaving no avenue for retreat.

    The elder studied the healer from a distance. While she possessed a healthier body due to the blessings of her goddesses, the holy magic permeating from her acted as a deterrent to the goblin¡¯s ambitions.

    ¡°You, human,¡± the creature called out to the bandit leader who was just about done receiving treatment from one of his men. ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind; you may have this one female.¡±

    Morgana¡¯s eyes widened in alarm, and Amara¡¯s knees trembled with fear. In a reckless act of desperation, the archer wrested a blade from the stubby arms of a goblin and lunged at the bearded bastard, ready to defend herself and her companion. But when a mysterious glow flashed from the eye sockets of a skull atop the elder¡¯s staff, Morgana abruptly froze in her tracks, the blade falling just inches short of the monster¡¯s throat.

    ¡°M-Morgana!¡± Amara cried out as the girl began trailing behind the retreating elder like an obedient dog. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What¡¯re you doing? Morgana!¡±

    As her friend vanished into the distance, spirited away by the heartless fiend, Amara¡¯s knees buckled and she crumpled to the ground. With an outstretched arm that would never reach, she watched in despair. Meanwhile, not far behind, the bandits crept closer, their amused laughter echoing like a pack of cackling hyenas as they closed in to claim their prize.

    As the innocent healer was hauled away by the lustful men, Lilith laid motionless on the ground, tears streaming from her vacant eyes, snot and drool mingling as her body convulsed under the relentless assault of the goblins.

    Desperate screams, clawing fingers, cracked nails. Price cried out in agony as another powerful thrust sent his body jerking forward. But he couldn¡¯t escape the ironclad grip that imprisoned his hips, administering a fate far worse than death.

    ***

    SWISHH!

    Time slowed to a crawl as a blade traced a white semicircle through the air. It narrowly missed the bridge of Daisuke¡¯s nose as he bent low to the ground. Time resumed its normal pace, and with it, a swift movement¡ªthe tail of the kobold descended like a whip.

    WHOOPISHH!

    The thick appendage struck the ground where Daisuke¡¯s head had been just milliseconds ago. The kobold, a bipedal creature with both reptilian and lupine features, tilted its head, using its keen sense of smell and sight to track its prey as Daisuke retreated into the canopy of trees using a golden chain.

    ¡°Magic Missile.¡±

    A perfectly aimed projectile targeted the creature¡¯s eye, but it raised a small shield to defend itself. When the beast lowered its arm, Daisuke had vanished from the limb where he had been just a moment ago.

    CHENGG!

    The kobold flinched as the accursed chain wrapped around its neck, dragging it towards the trunk of a tree. It despised the feeling of bondage, but at least now it knew the location of its prey.

    As the predator readied its sword for a decisive strike, it soon realized that its quarry wasn¡¯t hiding behind the tree as it had assumed. The chains had been wound around two other trees to create that illusion. In reality, the human was directly¡ª

    STABB!

    The Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang struck true, sinking deep into the creature¡¯s back, piercing flesh and bone with a satisfying thud. The monster staggered, its movements faltering as agony coursed through its body. It collapsed in a tangle of limbs upon the forest floor.

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    But as the echoes of its demise faded, the ominous presence of its brethren emerged from the shadows, their predatory instincts keen and their thirst for vengeance palpable.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Daisuke mused as he threw himself into the fray. ¡°Come at me, you confusing bastards! Are kobolds lizards or dogs¡ªwhich is it?!¡±

    From observing Osten and the others during the guild expeditions, I¡¯ve learned that when players kill monsters, they dematerialize almost instantly, and their drops are automatically added to the player¡¯s inventory. Normally, players can¡¯t interact with monster corpses unless a quest specifically requires it.

    However, in my case, I not only receive the drops in my inventory but I can also salvage the corpse, which sticks around for a longer period of time after being killed. This allows me to collect double the rewards compared to an average player. I suppose it¡¯s one of the perks of being part NPC.

    DING!

    [Your inventory has reached its maximum capacity for storing monster corpses.]

    Sitting atop a heap of lifeless kobold bodies, Daisuke rubbed his chin in contemplation as he stared down at the notification window. It was essentially a slap in the face for being too greedy.

    That settles it, he thought with a hint of disappointment. Regardless of the species, I can only store twenty-five corpses at a time. My next experiment will be to attempt adding a live mob to my inventory. The fact that I can store anything beyond mere materials is pretty surprising. Is this another byproduct of Jupiter?

    RAWRR!

    Using his powerful jaws, Zephyr strenuously dragged the limp body of a Kobold Sprite towards Daisuke. The creature, almost twice as large as the canine, was the juvenile stage of a Kobold. It bore the traits of a quadrupedal wolf.

    Whenever the sprite became lodged between rocks or tangled in tufts of grass, Zephyr would clamp down on it fiercely and vigorously shake his head in a display of anger and frustration.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, buddy,¡± Daisuke called out. ¡°I can¡¯t fit anymore in my inventory, but I appreciate the hard work.¡±

    ¡°Arf!¡±

    As the pup ascended the mound of lifeless bodies to join him, Daisuke¡¯s gaze shifted from its bloodied fur to the lifeless bodies of the sprites strewn across the forest floor.

    In a clash of fangs and claws, especially against a larger foe, it¡¯s no surprise he didn¡¯t come out unscathed, Daisuke admitted with a hint of guilt.

    With a mental command, he summoned a handful of Vitaberries in his hand and fed them to the weary pup. ¡°I forbade you from using Emberstorm because I¡¯m worried about setting the forest ablaze, but it seems you¡¯re having a tough time as a result. Are you sure you wouldn¡¯t rather sit this one out? Sure you wouldn¡¯t gain as much EXP, but at least you wouldn¡¯t risk getting hurt either.¡±

    ¡°Grrr,¡± the canine gave a low growl, a clear sign of refusal.

    Daisuke raised his hands in surrender. ¡°Well, alright¡­ but the dirtier you get, the longer you¡¯ll need to spend in the bath later.¡±

    Zephyr¡¯s eyes widened, and his ears and tail drooped in response.

    Daisuke chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re such a weirdo! Where I¡¯m from, dogs love water¡ªyet here you are, acting like a cat. Weren¡¯t dogs supposed to be direct descendants of wolves?¡±

    ¡°Ahrrr~¡± the pup emitted a displeased murmur, and Daisuke playfully tousled his fur.

    It would be great if Zephyr could learn a projectile-type skill with pinpoint accuracy and perfect control. ¡°Now that I think about it,¡± Daisuke pondered, capturing the pup¡¯s attention, ¡°is it possible for you to learn new abilities from a skill book?¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu,¡± Zephyr responded, tilting his small head in confusion.

    ¡°I need to remember to test that theory. But while we¡¯re on the subject of acquiring new skills,¡± Daisuke muttered, casting a glance at the Volturax¡¯s materials, ¡°I need to become stronger myself. It¡¯s hard to forget how much I struggled, both inside the dungeon and against those golems.¡±

    [Volturax Fang]

    [The sharp canine teeth extracted from the Volturax. Handling them requires utmost care due to their lethal sharpness. Suitable for forging into equipment or trading with merchants.]

    [Volturax Tail]

    [The tail harvested from the Volturax. Its weight is primarily concentrated in the mace-like tip. While robust, its flexibility renders it a potent weapon for the monster. Ideal for crafting specialized equipment or trade with merchants.]

    Once I¡¯m back in Wonderelle, it¡¯s crucial that I find a skilled blacksmith who can forge these materials into powerful weapons, Daisuke strategized, his thoughts racing ahead. I¡¯ll need new equipment too. Pretty sure everything will cost an arm and a leg, but that¡¯s precisely why I¡¯m farming materials as I make my way back to town.

    Even as Daisuke organized his thoughts, his fingers instinctively moved across the interface, leading him to the skill window. There, his gaze lingered on two specific abilities. While he didn¡¯t dwell too long on the one that was bugged, his mind gravitated toward the other, contemplating its potential significance.

    [Alchemy]

    [Rank: Unique

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    An ancient and arcane fusion between science and magic, carefully honed to perfection over time by the greatest chemists. Centuries ago, following its completion, the art was sealed away out of fear that its power would fall into the wrong hands.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? By using mana as a catalyst to tap into the Aether Field, Alchemy allows the user to endlessly harness the secrets of nature to transmute, combine, and manipulate matter.

    Mana Cost: N/A

    Skill Cooldown: N/A]

    Daisuke sighed.

 CHAPTER 82: Dinkidoo? The Honeywasp Orc!

    When Daisuke initially unlocked the alchemy skill, he genuinely had no interest in it because of the horrors that took place at Percival¡¯s mansion. Or to be more specific, it reminded him of Sheba and Ruth and how miserably he had failed at protecting them.

    But that was only partly the reason.

    The other half stemmed from the frustratingly vague and complicated description of the skill. What is the Aether Field? And how exactly does one tap into it using mana? Despite perusing texts on transmutation circles and diagrams in Reginald¡¯s library, putting them together to make any kind of sense required extraordinary understanding of the formula, which was akin to deciphering a complex programming language.

    ¡°It was clearly stated that Cedric left nothing but breadcrumbs behind,¡± Daisuke pondered aloud, frustration evident in his tone, ¡°so how exactly am I supposed to figure this out? And the last time I checked, Reginald¡¯s manor was engulfed in flames so there may be no significant information about alchemy left.¡± He shook his head in resignation. ¡°No matter how I look at it, the alchemy skill just seems like a lost cause.¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu,¡± Zephyr gave a soft whine as he tenderly head-butted his distressed friend in the stomach.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Daisuke murmured, his hand gently stroking the canine¡¯s head. ¡°Frying my brain about this won¡¯t yield any results. Alright, I think we¡¯ve rested enough,¡± he declared as he leaped from his perch and conjured a map. ¡°Come to think of it, I never did take a closer look at this.¡±

    As he unfurled the parchment, a holographic window materialized before him, displaying the game¡¯s integrated map. Typically in MMORPGs, players enjoyed the luxury of effortlessly viewing the entire world¡¯s topography. This simplified planning, navigation, and monster hunting. Unfortunately, Sehreneti Online wasn¡¯t so charitable.

    Apart from the few locations Daisuke had personally visited, a staggering 99.99% of the map lay disappointingly blank. In a bid to once again emulate reality, the game¡¯s creators imposed a daunting challenge: players had to either meticulously explore and map the terrain themselves or pay a hefty sum to acquire maps from those who had. But the fact still remained that people were tasked with mapping the expansive world themselves, and it was no easy feat as no other game in history boasted a map as vast and diverse as Sehreneti¡¯s.

    DING!

    [New geographical information has been acquired. Your map has been updated!]

    Following the notification window, the details on the physical map momentarily blurred before seamlessly transferring to its digital counterpart, which promptly became more populated with newfound information.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment. ¡°Did it just copy over the information?¡±

    ¡°Kyuu?¡± Zephyr tilted his head.

    Setting aside the now redundant physical map, Daisuke directed his full attention to the digital screen, immersing himself in the detailed topography of the region.

    Within the vast expanse of the Arcanium Kingdom, he observed numerous small settlements and villages under its jurisdiction, yet only one substantial town stood as its tributary.

    Unlike the numerous towns, cities, and thousands of smaller settlements found within other kingdoms on the continent, Arcanium was a fledgling nation, still in its infancy.

    Using his finger as a guide, Daisuke traced a route from the Fleecia Forest to Dusthaven in the west, then to Wonderelle in the northeast. Finally, he shifted his attention to his own location, marked by a small arrow indicating the direction he faced.

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re only a few hours outside of town,¡± Daisuke observed, a hint of relief evident in his voice. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing, really. After practically emptying the inventory for Elmridge Village, we¡¯re left with just your fur and the shirt on my back. Supplies are running dangerously low.¡±

    ¡°KRRRRGH!¡±

    Suddenly, from the surrounding brush, an angry horde of Kobolds and sprites emerged onto the scene. They were obviously out for revenge, their eyes ablaze with unmistakable bloodlust. The duo instinctively took slow and steady steps backward as the menacing beasts gradually closed in on their location.

    ¡°Go Zephyr, I choose you!¡± Daisuke encouraged, his voice brimming with determination as he brandished his daggers.

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    The canine glanced nervously at the rigid horde of monsters that was practically frothing at the mouth with rage, then back at Daisuke.

    ¡°Zephyr, with the power of friendship, I know we can defeat this very pissed off and murderous mob of monsters.¡±

    The pup scoffed before turning tail and fleeing, his expression seemingly saying, ¡°Yeah, well¡­ good luck with that.¡±

    ¡°Hey, wait up!¡± Daisuke cried out, following suit.

    Dried leaves and twigs crunched and snapped underfoot as they fled through the dense forest, pursued relentlessly by the menacing horde of Kobolds. The beasts¡¯ gleaming fangs, claws, and swords promised a grim fate, their hisses and growls sounding like dark curses in the air.

    But their ominous chorus was abruptly replaced by a thunderous, rhythmic pounding that reverberated through the forest. Daisuke and Zephyr glanced back just in time to witness the Kobolds vanish, driven off by the foreboding drumming that drew closer with every beat.

    ¡°I have a bad feeling about this,¡± murmured Daisuke.

    BOOOOOOM!

    An Orc burst forth from the thick foliage like a primal force of nature, its massive fingers narrowly missing Daisuke¡¯s face as it lunged forward. Wheeling around, the Orc gave chase, its powerful strides quickly gaining ground on its prey.

    ¡°An Orc?!¡± Daisuke exclaimed incredulously. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me!¡±

    ¡°Puny human!¡± the creature bellowed. ¡°Stop! Accept dinkidoo!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s expression twisted in confusion. ¡°What the hell did that Orc bastard just say to me?¡±

    ¡°Dinkidoo! In you!¡±

    Daisuke felt a shiver down his spine.

    The beast pursued them with frantic determination, its flushed cheeks and glazed eyes hinting at a disturbing desire. Its enormous package swayed from side to side within its furred garb with every stride. Daisuke sprinted for his life at the unsettling sight of that, the urgent need to escape driving him forward with every heartbeat.

    As it became terrifyingly evident that they wouldn¡¯t be able to outrun the perverted fiend, Daisuke cast a calculating glance at the towering trees flanking the beaten path, then back at the salivating Orc practically blasting steam from its nostrils.

    With a cunning smirk, Daisuke conjured a skill.

    The Orc, consumed by lust, failed to spot the trap until it was too late. Its eyes widened in shock as a shimmering golden chain materialized between two trees across the path.

    ¡°UWAHHH~¡±

    The Orc¡¯s saliva-coated tongue shot out. A pained grunt escaped its jaws as its neck collided with the chain at full speed. The violent impact sent its body into a dizzying flip before crashing to the forest floor.

    But that wasn¡¯t enough to keep the creature down. Its crotch twitched and shifted around beneath the garb, as if it had a mind of its own. As the Orc rose off the ground, defying gravity and radiating light like a monster version of Jesus, Daisuke decisively made his move.

    Seizing the moment, he closed in with the Sturdy Club, delivering a swift and mighty blow to the Orc¡¯s head. A steaming bump erupted on its skull from the powerful strike, and its body slowly settled back to the ground, all signs of divinity gone.

    [Sturdy Club]

    [Rank: Normal

    Type: Blunt Weapon

    Melee Attack Power: 64~77 | Durability: 11/59 | Attack Speed: -12%

    The Exiled Hilitroll Chief¡¯s trusty weapon, hewn from the limb of the millennia-old oak known as the Tree of Ascension. Legend holds that every former chieftain¡¯s weapon was cut and carved from this ancient tree.

    ?? Strength +4

    ?? Knockback Chance +82%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+ | Strength 60+ | Stamina 25+]

    ¡°Dammit!¡± Daisuke cursed, his frustration evident as he glanced from the blunt weapon to the Orc¡¯s soul clinging onto the creature¡¯s tusk for dear life. ¡°I lost one point of durability from that single attack? You¡¯ve got to be kidding me! Just how hard is your head anyway, you green bastard?!¡±

    Grinding his teeth in annoyance, Daisuke planted a firm stomp onto the Orc¡¯s face. However, instead of a pained grunt, the unconscious monster blushed, as if deriving pleasure from the rough treatment.

    As another disturbing shiver slithered down his spine, Daisuke swapped out the Sturdy Club for the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang, intent on dispatching the deplorable fiend and its struggling soul to monster heaven. But just as the blade was about to quench its thirst for blood¡ª¡±

    ¡°¡­Wait,¡± Daisuke murmured contemplatively.

    Zephyr tilted his head curiously.

    ¡°This is an opportunity,¡± he mused, his eyes glinting with excitement. ¡°It¡¯s the perfect time to test whether or not it¡¯s possible to store a live monster.¡±

    ¡°Kyuu~¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s brow furrowed deeply, his eye twitching with suppressed irritation. ¡°Ideally, I should put an end to this bastard after all the psychological damage it just inflicted on me, but¡­¡±

    Before the beast could regain consciousness, Daisuke tentatively rested his hand on its shoulder and willed the creature into his inventory. With a faint blue glow, the Orc¡¯s body dematerialized and vanished, much like the corpses before it.

    Without hesitation, Daisuke summoned his inventory. Each item was represented by a name and thumbnail image. The Orc¡¯s entry displayed a particularly unenthused profile photo, reminiscent of a criminal¡¯s mug shot.

    Juvenile Honeywasp Orc | Lvl 24 | General

    [A juvenile Orc, while on its Right of Passage to become a warrior, found itself lost and disoriented after a series of unfortunate events. While attempting to forage for food, a skill it had yet to master, it unwittingly ingested the insidious Blissbloom¡ªa plant renowned for its hallucinogenic and aphrodisiac properties.

    Rescued by a group of goblins and taken into their fold, the young Orc discovered an unconventional sense of belonging among them. In this peculiar camaraderie, it was introduced to the pleasures of human flesh¡ªand much like the effects of the Blissbloom, it became ensnared by an insatiable addiction. Unconcerned by distinctions of gender, the Orc surrendered to its primal urges time and again, unable to resist the intoxicating allure of its newfound desires.]

    Daisuke¡¯s expression contorted, another unwelcome shiver coursing down his spine. ¡°What the hell is up with this description? This isn¡¯t PG-friendly material at all!¡±

 CHAPTER 83: Morganaâ€™s Plight

    Through the surge of unpleasant emotions, Daisuke shifted his focus to the creature¡¯s name, intrigued by its correlation with ¡°Honeywasp.¡± Consulting the Monster Guide Handbook, now seamlessly integrated into the System interface, he discovered that Honeywasp Orcs inhabited the Thra¡¯gul Mountains.

    Upon reaching maturity, these Orcs permitted Honeywasps¡ªa winged insect¡ªto inhabit their hollow tusks. In exchange for providing a safe haven from predators, the Orcs occasionally received honey. It was a perfect example of symbiosis¡ªa mutually beneficial relationship.

    Daisuke wasn¡¯t impressed. ¡°Well, I hope I never have the pleasure of crossing paths with one on a straight and narrow road,¡± he muttered sarcastically.

    ¡°Rawrwu~¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, buddy¡ªlet¡¯s dive back into the heart of the matter,¡± Daisuke remarked, his hand coming up to cup his chin in contemplation. ¡°If I could store twenty-five corpses, does that mean I can also store the same number of live monsters?¡±

    In response to the rhetorical question, Zephyr seized the initiative and darted into the thick foliage in pursuit of prey. Daisuke nodded appreciatively, acknowledging his companion¡¯s instinctive action, before reaching into his inventory to discard a single corpse.

    The Forest Imp quietly materialized on the ground, its still form enveloped in a faint blue glow that dissipated like pixie dust. It was one of the earlier monsters Daisuke had salvaged on his way to Elmridge with Elena and the others. Like food, he noted that the corpse hadn¡¯t decomposed at all.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Zephyr to return, his jaws firmly gripping a flailing Horned Rabbit. It was evident that the effort had taken a toll on the pup to bring it back alive.

    ¡°Great work!¡± praised Daisuke, his hand promptly grasping the creature by its long, furry ears. ¡°Now, let¡¯s put that theory to the test.¡±

    DING!

    [Your inventory has reached its maximum capacity for storing monsters.]

    ¡°Darn. Well, so much for that idea,¡± Daisuke muttered, effortlessly dispatching the white-coated fiend with a swift slash of his blade. ¡°But hold on a sec!¡± he exclaimed, a memory of hunting expeditions with Professor Bayley surfacing in his mind. ¡°What if I use a magic bag? Could I haul more mobs that way? The real kicker is the cost; they¡¯d likely demand my organs as payment.¡±

    ¡°Krrk,¡± Zephyr growled, tugging on Daisuke¡¯s pants with his teeth, harmless yet insistent.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Daisuke inquired.

    Zephyr twirled around, as if chasing his tail, then darted ahead and stopped to gaze intently at his comrade.

    ¡°Do you want me to follow you? Is that it?¡± guessed Daisuke.

    ¡°Arf!¡±

    ¡°Now that I think about it, you weren¡¯t running away from those Kobolds, were you?¡±

    Zephyr barked in confirmation.

    ¡°In that case, I¡¯m right behind you,¡± Daisuke said as he inventoried the Horned Rabbit instead of the Imp. ¡°Just lead the way.¡±

    ***

    In the suffocating embrace of darkness, a lone girl sat, her skin slick with sweat, her delicate face marred by soot. Memories stirred within her as she slept, flickering like wildfire in her mind¡¯s eye. The ominous rattle of chains, the chilling touch of metal restraints, the monstrous profile of a crazed butcher, futile attempts to escape, excruciating pain, and then, enveloping blackness.

    Morgana¡¯s eyes snapped open in alarm, her chest heaving with ragged breaths. As she sat on a bed of hay against a cavern wall, a wave of nausea washed over her, and her memories felt distant and hazy. Yet, a dull ache and a vague recollection drew her attention to her waist.

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    Gasping in horror, Morgana¡¯s breath caught in her throat at the sight of her amputated and cauterized leg. A surge of grief twisted her expression, and she began to sob uncontrollably, careful to stifle her cries so as not to alert the savage beasts prowling the chamber.

    ***

    Amara felt like a lost lamb surrounded by a pack of ravenous wolves. She knelt inside a half-destroyed chapel, a waning barrier barely keeping her lustful enemies at bay.

    The bandits sprawled across the dimly lit chamber, indulging in food and drink with rowdy abandon. Despite their feast, their hungry glances would occasionally fixate on Amara¡ªa hunger that meat and wine couldn¡¯t satisfy.

    Once a sanctuary for worship, the chapel had been transformed into a base for hooligans and their nefarious agendas. Yet Amara refused to see it as such. Despite her dire circumstances, she clung to her faith, spending every moment in captivity devoted to prayer.

    The leader of the bandits abruptly pushed to his feet, brushing off the lackey who was just about done applying the bandage to his swollen nose. ¡°This is the last straw,¡± he declared venomously, commanding the attention of his comrades. ¡°That damn goblin has made a fool of us for the last time!¡±

    The bandits, clad in the gear they had plundered from adventures, surged upright and brandished their weapons, their faces reflecting their leader¡¯s fury and determination.

    ¡°We¡¯ve amassed enough wealth from this unsavory alliance,¡± the man reasoned, his voice filled with conviction. ¡°Now we can procure all the horses we need and expand our forces.¡±

    The men raised their weapons and roared in agreement.

    ¡°The goblins are nothing without the might of the Orc. While the beast is still outside the village, it¡¯s the perfect time to strike. We¡¯ll pay those damn green bastards back for every ounce of humiliation we¡¯ve endured.¡±

    ¡°YEAH!!¡± the bandits gave another thunderous cheer, their spirits soaring with anticipation.

    ¡°What about the girl?¡± Queried one of the men.

    The leader strode confidently toward the golden barrier and lashed out with his knife, but the blade failed to penetrate the glowing sphere. Nonetheless, the sound of impact visibly unsettled Amara, causing the barrier to fluctuate as her concentration wavered.

    The man smirked. ¡°It¡¯s just a matter of time before she runs out of mana and the barrier dissipates,¡± he informed, a knowing glint in his eye. ¡°Norman. Egga,¡± he gestured at the two men, ¡°you¡¯ll remain behind and keep our hostage secure. But don¡¯t you dare get ahead of yourselves. I¡¯ll be the first to take that woman; I didn¡¯t get my nose crushed out of simple charity, y¡¯know.¡±

    Laughter erupted from the group.

    ¡°That only goes without saying.¡±

    ¡°Roger that!¡±

    Norman and Egga replied with matching grins, their eyes hungrily tracing the girl¡¯s features like a physical caress.

    ¡°Alright, you bastards,¡± the leader declared, his tone full of resolve. ¡°Let¡¯s go and slaughter some shitty goblins! I¡¯ve had just about enough of this blasted place!¡±

    ¡°OHRAHH!¡±

    ***

    Morgana felt herself emerging from her stupor to a cool sensation enveloping her injured leg. Her vision sharpened slightly, allowing her to discern a lone woman nearby, her hands emitting a soothing white light.

    ¡°¡­A-Amara?¡± she muttered weakly, her voice hoarse and barely above a whisper.

    ¡°¡­I think you have me confused with someone else, dear,¡± the woman replied with a wan smile.

    Morgana¡¯s body tensed at the realization. She attempted to shift her leg away, but the movement only rewarded her with a jolt of excruciating pain.

    ¡°Careful,¡± the woman cautioned softly, her voice carrying a hint of concern. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t want to reopen the wound; you¡¯ve already lost quite a bit of blood.¡±

    ¡°¡­Who are you?¡± asked Morgana defensively.

    ¡°A prisoner, like yourself,¡± came the straightforward reply. ¡°I¡¯m Gloria. And you are?¡±

    ¡°¡­Morgana,¡± replied the girl, her gaze assessing the nun whose burly disposition almost rivaled Gretchen¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯m an adventurer,¡± she began, then glanced down at her leg with a sigh. ¡°Although, with this kind of injury, it might be more accurate to say I¡¯m a former adventurer.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± said Gloria, her attempt to console the girl falling short as she struggled to find the right words.

    ¡°¡­Where am I?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re inside a goblin¡¯s cave.¡±

    Closing her eyes, Morgana pressed her fingertips to her temples, hoping to untangle the threads of memory that eluded her grasp. A relentless headache pulsed behind her eyes, complicating her efforts to piece together the events leading up to this moment. Even the ordeal of losing her leg felt like nothing more than an incoherent nightmare. And yet it was undeniably real.

    ¡°¡­That goblin with the staff,¡± Morgana began, her voice quivering with uncertainty, ¡°it didn¡¯t seem like your typical monster at all.¡±

    As the woman rose to her feet, the faint clink of her shackle echoed in the dim cave, the long chain connected to it disappearing among the large rocks and hordes of old furniture cluttering the cave.

    ¡°Very perceptive,¡± Gloria acknowledged with a wry smile.

    Using the wall for support, Morgana gingerly stood up. Beyond the chaos of the clutter, she glimpsed several crudely made tents illuminated by the soft glow of mana crystals. To the far left, near one of the tents, a group of goblins labored with primitive tools, their movements frenzied yet purposeful.

    ¡°What are they building?¡± she inquired, her gaze scanning the area in a futile attempt to locate her bow and quiver.

    ¡°¡­Your tent,¡± Gloria informed flatly, a hint of hopelessness tainting her tone.

    Morgana¡¯s eyes quivered. At the woman¡¯s ominous words, she felt a sense of dread settle over her. She somehow knew that a fate awaited her that was far more painful than the loss of her severed leg, and more terrifying than death itself.

 CHAPTER 84: Annulment - The End of the Alliance

    Without a word, Gloria slung the archer¡¯s arm over her shoulder and looped her own arm around the girl¡¯s waist for support. Together, they navigated the cluttered cave, careful not to tangle the chain bound to Gloria¡¯s shackles.

    ¡°You seem to be¡­ well-informed about what¡¯s happening here,¡± accused Morgana. ¡°Who are you, exactly?¡±

    ¡°As I mentioned before,¡± reiterated Gloria, her voice steady. ¡°I¡¯m just another prisoner, like yourself.¡±

    Morgana frowned, skeptical.

    ¡°However,¡± continued Gloria, ¡°since I¡¯ve been here a while, I¡¯ve had plenty of time to piece together the nature of the operation happening in this cave.¡±

    ¡°Operations?¡± Morgana¡¯s frown deepened in disbelief. ¡°But they¡¯re just goblins! How could¡ª¡±

    ¡°You said it yourself, didn¡¯t you?¡± Gloria interjected calmly. ¡°The goblin chief is far from ordinary; it possesses frightening intelligence. The truth is¡­ this place is being used as a base for conducting genetic experiments, with young girls serving as unwilling hosts for these tests.¡±

    The color drained from Morgana¡¯s face as the woman¡¯s words sank in. According to Gloria, the sickening operation had been ongoing for well over a year. During that time, it became evident that the goblin chief was a rare and anomalous monster. It had somehow recognized that conceiving offspring with human women resulted in smarter and stronger goblins.

    Using transformation magic, the goblin chief cleverly assumed the guise of an old man to submit job requests at the guild, luring in weak and unsuspecting adventurers. This method served a dual purpose: not only did it provide a means of acquiring young, fertile hosts to bear offspring, but it also ensured a steady supply of easy prey as the male adventurers were often hunted for sport before being devoured.

    The chief recognized the risks of stealing livestock, which could provoke the ire of farmers and draw unwanted attention from the guild or bounty hunters. However, when adventurers went missing, no one seemed to come looking for them.

    Gloria observed Morgana¡¯s gaze lingering on a group of goblins toiling over a hot stove. ¡°It was essential to ensure they kept the hosts properly fed and nourished throughout their pregnancy.¡±

    Morgana frowned, unimpressed. So that¡¯s why they were bringing back all the monsters they had hunted.

    Apparently, the goblins and bandits shared a symbiotic relationship, with each party capitalizing on the strengths of the other. The bandits imparted their knowledge of cooking and shelter-building to the goblins. In return, the bandits enjoyed the goblins¡¯ formidable numbers and claimed ownership of any valuables acquired from their victims.

    Morgana¡¯s expression had turned ashen as she listened, a mixture of pain, despair, and rage washing over her as they approached the campsite where the goblins were busy preparing a large pot of stew.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± Gloria cautioned. ¡°These goblins may answer to the chief, but that doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re rational. Whatever you do, avoid provoking them.¡±

    Morgana¡¯s gaze swept over them with disdain. Nearby, four young girls sat at the front of their tents, their clothes ragged, their bodies motionless. Morgana couldn¡¯t bring herself to meet their eyes. She knew that the loss of her leg and her place as an adventurer seemed trivial compared to the anguish and hopelessness these girls endured.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    Her contempt flared as she regarded the byproduct of the monsters¡¯ genetic experiments. Four goblin toddlers frolicked and played in the heart of the campsite, the raging fire from the primitive stove casting a warm glow on their features.

    Unlike typical goblins with round bellies, crooked teeth, and disproportionate limbs, these children looked different. Their pale green skin was smooth as silk, their eyes round and innocent, and a pair of tiny horns protruded from their foreheads. Their skin was so pale that the green pigmentation was barely visible.

    ¡°¡­They look so human,¡± Morgana¡¯s voice quivered.

    Gloria looked on with a bittersweet expression.

    As Morgana continued to observe the children, gradually, the unfounded accusations¡ªher own misery, the loss of her friends, and the plight of the surrogate mothers¡ªthat she had projected onto them began to fade away.

    As she gazed at the toddlers, who now cowered in fear from her icy stare, their uncanny resemblance to human children struck her deeply. They hadn¡¯t chosen this life, nor had they asked for any of it. They were innocent beings born into a cruel world, just like any other baby.

    Finally, Morgana swallowed her nervousness, her gaze drifting to the women by the tents. Like Gloria, they were all bound by shackles and long chains, but unlike herself, they hadn¡¯t surrendered to despair.

    Instead, their eyes shimmered with a blend of tenderness and resilience as they watched the children. It was evident that they didn¡¯t view the toddlers as monsters, but rather as precious extensions of themselves. These innocent beings served as their rays of hope, the unwavering source of strength that sustained them through their harrowing existence.

    As if sensing the softening of her tension, one of the toddlers timidly approached her, cheeks flushed with anticipation, its round eyes gleaming with hope. Just as their fingertips were about to meet¡ª

    BOOOOM!

    An explosion erupted at the entrance of the cave, hurling a goblin¡¯s body into the air, its form cleaved in twain. Blood sprayed like a fountain, painting the cavern walls in crimson hues. Through the veil of gore emerged the bandits, their faces twisted in sadistic glee.

    ¡°I hereby declare the annulment of our alliance!¡± bellowed the bandit leader, his voice laced with venomous intent. ¡°Prepare to taste the steel of our blades, you wretched bastards!¡±

    With a menacing smirk, he signaled his comrades, and the cavern descended into chaos as swords clashed and screams pierced the air.

    A bandit, his face contorted in a mask of rage, lunged at a goblin with his sword raised high. With a savage roar, he brought the blade down, cleaving through the creature¡¯s shoulder and sending it crashing to the ground in a pool of its own blood.

    A savage cry tore from the lungs of another man as he charged into the midst of the monsters, his axe swinging in a deadly arc. The weapon bit deep into the flesh of the nearest creature, ripping through bone and sinew with sickening ease.

    A burly bandit wielding a massive warhammer waded into the fray. With each swing of his weapon, bones shattered and bodies crumpled under the force of his blows. Goblins screamed in agony as the warhammer descended upon them, crushing skulls and pulverizing flesh with brutal effectiveness.

    Suddenly, amidst the frenzied melee, the goblin chief emerged from the shadows, perched upon a lofty rock, its silhouette looming ominously. With a malevolent grin, it raised its staff, unleashing a dark miasma that engulfed the battlefield.

    The bandits, caught in the suffocating embrace of the foul magic, found themselves paralyzed, their limbs rendered useless as the goblins seized the opportunity to close in for the kill.

    Battle cries echoed off the cavern walls as the goblins descended upon their helpless prey, their vengeful weapons slashing and hacking with ruthless efficiency. Limbs were severed, blood spattered the ground, and the air was thick with the sickening scent of death.

    The toddlers scurried back to their mothers in fear while Morgana watched the bloodbath unfold from the plateau, horror etched on her face.

    In the heart of the chaos, the bandit leader fought desperately against the onslaught, unaffected by the incapacitating magic that paralyzed his comrades. With hate burning in his eyes, he glanced up at the goblin chief, his blade stained with the blood of his enemies. But it was a futile struggle, for in the end, darkness claimed them all, leaving nothing but carnage in its wake.

 CHAPTER 85: Seeds of Ruin â€“ The Shamanâ€™s Path to Power

    Amara was clearly perturbed, her breaths ragged and labored as fatigue weighed heavily on her. With each exhale, wisps of hot air escaped her lips, mirroring the waning strength of her magical barrier. Finally, like a flickering mana crystal lamp on the verge of extinguishing, her barrier faltered and dissipated into nothingness.

    Like a pair of gophers, the bandits cocked their heads excitedly. Sensing their opportunity, they abandoned their mundane game of cards and turned their attention to the vulnerable prey before them.

    A perverse grin spread across their faces as they eagerly advanced towards the cornered lamb, their anticipation palpable as they prepared to indulge in something far more thrilling than their previous pastime.

    ¡°Kekeke,¡± one of them chuckled darkly. ¡°Your resistance was admirable, but you only delayed the inevitable.¡±

    The other man licked his lips, his gaze trailing over her exhausted form, slick with sweat. ¡°You religious types are so wasteful,¡± he accused, throwing himself on top of her like a bloated toad. ¡°How can you bear to go through life without making use of the wonderful body that your god so graciously gave you?¡±

    ¡°But don¡¯t worry,¡± the other man encouraged with a twisted smile. ¡°We¡¯ll play our part and give your pipes a good cleaning. Proper maintenance is long overdue, right? Keke!¡±

    ¡°The boss¡¯s meat sword is so massive he¡¯ll never suspect you¡¯ve already been used,¡± reassured the other man, more to himself than the healer. ¡°After all the waiting you put us through, you better be tight as shit.¡±

    ¡°Hey, wait a minute,¡± demanded the other bandit. ¡°Who the hell died and made you king, huh? Why do you get to go first? Let¡¯s measure cocks; the smaller one gets to go first,¡± he argued confidently.

    The other man cringed at the bizarre suggestion. ¡°What the hell? That¡¯s creepy as fuck! Just flip a coin, you weird bastard!¡±

    The man looked a bit disappointed, but he conceded to the idea and fished a copper coin from his pocket. ¡°Then here goes,¡± he remarked, flicking the metal into the air. ¡°And no take-backsies!¡±

    Before the coin could complete its descent into the man¡¯s waiting hand, a boot from behind found its mark in that vulnerable spot between his legs.¡±

    ¡°Hic!¡±

    A high-pitched squeal escaped his lips as he doubled over, crumpling to the ground in agony. Standing behind him was a youth with silver hair and stern butterscotch eyes, his expression unfriendly.

    DING!

    [Seeds of Ruin]

    [Quest Difficulty: C

    A Goblin Shaman¡ªan anomalous monster driven by an insatiable thirst for power and control has somehow obtained the forbidden knowledge of an esoteric science.

    For the past two years, it has commanded a formidable horde of goblins to capture highly fertile human females. These unfortunate women are then used as vessels to birth genetically superior goblin offspring. If properly indoctrinated, these demihumans possess the potential to unleash untold havoc upon the world.

    Clear Conditions: A new victim has recently been procured to conceive another child. Your task is to neutralize the Goblin Shaman and its horde, freeing the prisoners before any further harm can be inflicted.

    Rewards:

    ?? EXP +15,000

    ?? Runetablet

    ?? 90 Gold

    Quest Failure:Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    ?? Prolonged suffering of the prisoners

    ?? Emergence of a formidable new species

    ?? Rise of a Goblin King]

    ¡°You little shit!¡± yelled the other bandit as he rose to his feet and brandished his weapon. ¡°Who the hell do you think you are, huh?!¡±

    ¡°RAWR!¡±

    Before the bastard could charge in, Zephyr lunged at his unprotected groin, sinking his sharp teeth mercilessly into the tender flesh.

    ¡°M-My genitals!¡± he whimpered in a high-pitched voice, his arms raised as if pleading with the gods of hedonism to take pity on him.

    ¡°Who the hell ever uses the word genitals anymore?¡± Daisuke scoffed.

    As Zephyr continued to thrash his head from side to side like a rabid beast, the man¡¯s eyes rolled back into his head and he fainted, his soul seemingly departing through his gaping mouth to heaven.

    ¡°Can you manage?¡± Daisuke inquired calmly, extending his hand to the distressed healer.

    Knowing that time was of the essence, the girl bit her lip and summoned her courage. Wiping away her tears, she took his supportive hand and did her best to find equilibrium on unsteady feet.

    Amara observed her savior¡¯s youthful appearance and briefly questioned his reliability, but she had no other option but to rely on him. Every moment counted for her companions¡¯ survival.

    ¡°Please, help my friends!¡± she implored, desperation evident in her voice.

    ***

    Death permeated the chamber like a tangible presence, mingling with the sickening stench of blood that hung heavy in the air. The trembling toddlers sought solace in the arms of their terrified mothers. The explosive exchange between the goblins and the bandits had ceased¡ªnow desperate cries and clashing steel were replaced by the grisly sounds of breaking bones and tearing flesh.

    The goblins reveled in their victory, their joy palpable as they feasted on the flesh of their fallen foes in glorious abandon. For them, the transition from battle to feast was a euphoric crescendo, a heady cocktail of triumph and indulgence.

    Morgana and Gloria watched the gruesome spectacle unfold with trembling eyes, unaware that the nightmare had only just begun. Without warning, the mastermind behind the bloodbath emerged before them, casting a sinister shadow over the carnage.

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry,¡± Gloria whispered repentantly as she lowered her head and cautiously backed away.

    Morgana, caught off guard by the woman¡¯s sudden retreat, stumbled and fell before she could maintain her balance. In that moment, for the very first time, she witnessed a chilling transformation in the goblin¡¯s demeanor. Its previously indifferent expression gave way to a disturbingly eager lust, its eyes alight with excitement and its grotesque tongue snaking out between rows of jagged teeth.

    A chill ran down Morgana¡¯s spine as the creature seized her hair, its grip rough and unforgiving. With callous disregard for her well-being, it began dragging her across the uneven ground toward the newly erected tent.

    Morgana squirmed and twisted in a futile attempt to break free from the goblin¡¯s monstrous grip. She briefly entertained the idea of cutting her hair to escape its clutches, but all her weapons had been seized¡ªeven her concealed daggers were effectively snuffed out.

    Just as the monster was about to disappear into the shadows of the tent¡ª

    SWISHH!

    A throwing dagger struck its back with pinpoint accuracy. With a snarl of pain, the goblin flung its prize aside like a discarded toy.

    ¡°Oomph!¡± Morgana grunted as she collided with the unforgiving ground.

    The goblin, infuriated by the attack, tore the dagger from its back with a growl of rage. Discarding the bloody weapon, it turned to confront its unseen assailant with malevolent intent.

    As its beady eyes darted around the cavern with alarming urgency, Morgana lunged for the dagger before her mind could form a coherent thought. She drove it into the bastard¡¯s thigh and twisted it mercilessly.

    ¡°Kiiiieeehhhk!¡±

    The creature howled in agony, retaliating with a swift backhand that sent Morgana sprawling to the ground. With a scowl, the goblin retrieved the blade, its gaze shifting from the blood-stained edge to the defiant woman before it.

    For a fleeting moment, it contemplated ending her life then and there, but the creature knew better than to waste such a valuable resource. It was already bad enough that it had lost a perfectly good female to the uncivilized whims of its kin. And now with the guild¡¯s efforts focused on training younger recruits, acquiring more hosts would prove increasingly difficult.

    With a grunt, the goblin hurled the dagger even farther away, hoping to rid itself of the pesky threat. But this time, it wasn¡¯t Morgana who retaliated, but Gloria. Summoning every ounce of her strength, she barreled herself into the goblin like a raging minitaur, sending the creature hurtling off the ledge and into the ranks of its kin below.

    ¡°Gehh.¡±

    A lone goblin let out a sigh of contentment as it raised its head from the gaping abdomen of a fallen bandit. Now that its face wasn¡¯t buried in the entrails of its hearty meal, it sensed a peculiar scent in the air.

    Like a Bearhound, the creature cocked its head and sniffed around inquisitively. Slowly, cautiously, it followed the trail to a suspicious mound nearby. The moment it was within arm¡¯s reach¡ª

    SWISHH!

    It found its vision inverted and stubbornly refusing to right itself. A heartbeat later, a final breath before its demise, the creature realized it had been beheaded.

    Daisuke emerged from the shadows in the next beat, shedding the cloak of goblin corpses that had masked his scent and camouflaged his approach, his blade gleaming in the dim light of the cavern.

 CHAPTER 86: Morganaâ€™s Guilt & The Shamanâ€™s Trophy

    With a primal roar, the goblins abandoned their feast, their bloodlust ignited by the assault on their leader. Eyes blazing with malice, they turned their attention to the audacious intruder, their teeth bared and dripping with warm blood.

    ¡°Kekekeh!¡±

    ¡°Kyeeeh!¡±

    ¡°Kyakyakaah!¡±

    Razor-sharp fangs, claws, and blades, once busy carving flesh from the fallen, now turned menacingly towards Daisuke. The goblins charged forth like a relentless tempest, only to halt abruptly in their tracks, frozen by an unseen force.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes gleamed with an intensity akin to a bird of prey, instilling an overwhelming and primal fear in the monsters.

    Intimidate!

    As the goblins cowered from the skill¡¯s effects, Daisuke swiftly scooped Amara into his arms and leaped atop the rise. Awestruck by his impressive display of power, Morgana glanced from the wolf pup to the silver-haired youth whose eye¡¯s radiated confidence and resolve. Her heart sank when his head snapped around, almost mechanically, and his gaze fell upon the shuddering toddlers.

    ¡°W-Wait!¡± she pleaded, her voice quivering with desperation. ¡°They mean no harm! Please, don¡¯t hurt them!¡±

    ¡°S-She¡¯s right,¡± Gloria concurred with a respectful bow, firelight illuminating her black tunic. ¡°These children pose no threat.¡±

    Amara stood in stunned silence.

    Daisuke¡¯s gaze narrowed as he observed the toddlers clinging to their mothers in despair, their large, tear-filled eyes innocent and devoid of malice or evil.

    According to the Monster Guide Handbook, Daisuke pondered, flipping through the mental pages with a furrowed brow, monsters are generally predisposed to having an inherent aversion to humans and an uncontrollable desire to either kill or devour them, even from infancy. But¡­ these baby goblins look incredibly human.

    Are you seriously telling me that those genes that predominantly exist in most monsters weren¡¯t inherited by them? Is it possible those traits are just delayed until puberty or something? Can I really trust them?

    As Daisuke looked into the eyes of the horrified toddlers, memories flooded back of the distrust he faced when he attempted to apply for a job in Dusthaven. All he had wanted was to save money for his mother¡¯s medical bills, but his origins in the slums had led everyone to doubt his intentions. If only they had given him a chance, would his mother still be alive?

    ¡°Rawrwu,¡± whimpered Zephyr, as if echoing the sentiments of the others.

    ¡°SEIZE THEM!¡± came a sudden and furious bellow from the goblin leader, his teeth gnashing, veins bulging in his forehead as he unceremoniously peeled himself up off the ground.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. He really is an anomalous monster, he mused inwardly before turning to his partner. ¡°Zephyr,¡± he commanded firmly.

    As Zephyr¡¯s jaws widened, an intense heat radiated from within, accompanied by a blinding orange-red aura. The toddlers and their mothers instinctively shut their eyes, bracing for the impending inferno. Morgana and Gloria raised their arms pleadingly, but it was too late.

    WHOOSHHHHH!

    Zephyr¡¯s neck snapped forward like a coiled spring, unleashing a torrent of incinerating flames. However, instead of targeting the innocent toddlers, the fiery deluge engulfed the goblin leader and its monstrous horde. When the flames subsided, more than two-thirds of the goblins were reduced to ash, and the rest lay badly injured.

    Amidst the smoldering aftermath, Daisuke locked eyes with the leader, its protective barrier dissipating.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    DING!

    [Goblin Shaman | Lvl 22 | ????]

    ¡°Of course you weren¡¯t going to go down so easily,¡± he murmured before turning to the others. ¡°Stay here,¡± he commanded calmly. ¡°We¡¯ll finish them off.¡±

    Dumbfounded, Morgana watched as the duo confidently hurled themselves off the ledge and into the fray. ¡°That small wolf¡­ in an instant,¡± she murmured incredulously. ¡°Just who are they?¡±

    ¡°Haxks and Zephyr¡ªthey¡¯re adventurers like us,¡± informed Amara, equally astounded. ¡°I knew they were strong, but this is¡­¡±

    ¡°More importantly,¡± Morgana pressed urgently, ¡°what about Price and Lilith?¡±

    Amara¡¯s response was a slow, sorrowful shake of her head.

    ¡°I see,¡± Morgana replied, her tone conflicted as she attempted to rise. It was only then that Amara noticed the archer¡¯s missing leg.

    ¡°Oh no!¡± she exclaimed frantically, her eyes widening with panic as she hurried over to the girl. ¡°Morgana! Your leg!¡± she sobbed, her voice trembling. ¡°Your leg¡¯s been¡ª¡±

    Morgana offered a faint smile as the girl rushed to support her. ¡°This is my atonement,¡± she murmured quietly.

    ¡°Atonement? What are you¡ª¡±

    ¡°Please forgive me. I¡¯m sorry I¡¯ve always been a bystander instead of stepping in to protect you from the constant bullying. What Price and Lilith did to you was unforgivable. I knew it¡­ I¡¯ve always known, and yet¡ª¡±

    Amara shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to forgive,¡± she admitted earnestly. ¡°If you had intervened and become a victim, I would have felt even worse. It¡¯s my fault for never finding the courage to stand up to them.¡±

    Gloria approached them with a sympathetic smile. ¡°While courage is an admirable quality that we should all possess, everyone finds it in their own time and circumstances. It wasn¡¯t fair that you had to search desperately for yours just to find happiness. The blame lies with those who abused you, not with yourselves.¡±

    Morgana and Amara exchanged smiles, a mix of sadness and gratitude, before their attention was abruptly drawn to a goblin slamming into the wall below them. The creature slowly slid to the ground like a squashed bug, leaving a trail of purple blood along the wall.

    Despite wielding offensive magic to aid its kin, the shaman watched with growing unease as the goblins fell like wheat before a scythe. Death loomed closer with every passing moment; it knew that if things continued in this manner, its own demise was imminent.

    Driven by desperation and the instinct for self-preservation, the shaman finally decided to summon its trophy¡ªits ultimate achievement despite risking its destruction.

    With a furrowed brow, Daisuke observed in confusion as a beam of light shot out from the shaman¡¯s staff and struck an elevated platform on the far side of the cavern.

    ¡°Huh? Did that previous attack roast its brain cells or something?¡± he quipped, but when he spied a blur of movement, he fell silent.

    Using the falling rocks as stepping stones, hopping from one precarious foothold to another until it landed on solid ground, a curious goblin emerged on the scene.

    At a single glance, it was evident that this creature was different. Unlike the toddlers, its human-like features bore the marks of maturity, reflected in its towering stature that rivaled even the shaman¡¯s, and a gleam in its eyes that betrayed any innocence.

    It yawned with a dreary, indifferent gaze, its body clad in leather armor likely scavenged from fallen adventurers. The creature exuded an air of disdain, as if the entire world had done it an injustice and it would much rather be exempt from all worldly affairs.

    Every movement emanated a weariness, as if existence itself was a tiresome burden. Yet, without a single command uttered, it pivoted its club towards its foes, eager to dispose of them so that it could return to its slumber.

    DING!

    [Demihuman Goblin | Lvl 26 | Unique]

    Unique? Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in alarm. I thought Giant and Filed Boss was the last tier in the hierarchy?

    The moment it received a defense buff from the shaman, the demihuman lurched forward, its lethargic gaze fixated on the wolf pup. Zephyr was caught mid-strike, sharp teeth primed to plunge into the neck of a random goblin, when the demihuman¡¯s massive club hurtled toward him with terrifying velocity.

    Instinctively, the canine aborted the attack and instead used the monster¡¯s chest as a springboard to launch himself to safety. In a heartbeat, the club made contact with the goblin¡¯s head. Time seemed to stretch as blood, brain matter, and fragments of skull erupted outward.

    Zephyr¡¯s gaze burned with ferocity as it locked onto the demihuman, a silent challenge passing between them as they prepared for the inevitable clash.

    Daisuke¡¯s heart pounded with concern as he watched Zephyr darting around like a leaf swept up in a fierce storm. Even while suppressing the goblins that persistently swarmed like flies, the pup desperately tried to fend off the stoic hybrid. But his fangs and claws couldn¡¯t penetrate the creature¡¯s armor, nor the defensive buff it had received.

    Daisuke clearly noted that the odds were firmly stacked against the canine. Unwelcome memories of Zephyr¡¯s previous downfall flashed through his mind like lightning. Urgently, he attempted to carve a path through the goblins blocking his right flank. However, for every foe he dispatched, another swiftly took its place, creating an endless tide of adversaries.

    As desperation mounted, Daisuke summoned his Magic Chains in an attempt to subdue the demihuman and grant Zephyr a moment of relief. Yet, his efforts were promptly foiled as the goblins seized the chains, their mocking laughter echoing through the chaos. To make matters worse, the shaman unleashed a barrage of offensive magic, intensifying Daisuke¡¯s predicament.

 CHAPTER 87: The Wings of Justice

    ¡°¡­Haxks and Zephyr may be stronger,¡± Amara began with a troubled expression, ¡°but the goblins outnumber them.¡±

    ¡°This is bad,¡± uttered Morgana in a critical tone. ¡°They¡¯re both going to need healing if this keeps up.¡±

    Gloria¡¯s expression shifted to one of horror. ¡°I¡¯ve exhausted all my mana treating your wounds earlier,¡± she confessed with regret.

    ¡°I¡¯ve run out of mana too,¡± Amara admitted reluctantly.

    ¡°¡­Then we have no choice but to resort to that.¡±

    At Morgana¡¯s suggestion, Amara¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°You can¡¯t mean¡­¡±

    ¡°Mana Conversion.¡±

    ¡°Dammit!¡± Daisuke cursed under his breath. ¡°To think I¡¯d feel this frustrated so soon after fighting Volturax and the golems. It¡¯s becoming painfully clear that I lack certain skills, especially AoE and CC skills.

    And not being able to benefit from the Dual Blader passive because I¡¯m missing another weapon is just adding insult to injury. Plus, Intimidate doesn¡¯t even work on the goblins anymore. Could it have something to do with these two?¡±

    Daisuke cast a glance at the shaman and the demihuman who controlled the goblins like indispensable pawns. ¡°Divide and conquer,¡± he muttered with visible irritation. ¡°These bastards are far more cunning than they appear. That strange goblin might only be at level 26, but its unique rank implies that its stats are leagues beyond those of your typical level 26 monster. And to top it all off, it¡¯s wearing armor. Zephyr¡¯s clearly at a disadvantage.¡±

    As the pup¡¯s breaths grew labored and its stamina waned, it found itself unable to mount any meaningful counterattacks, relegated to a purely defensive stance. With each passing moment, its mana dwindled further, leaving it without the means to turn the tide of battle.

    The skill Extreme Speed required breathing room to build momentum, but the relentless flood of goblins made that nearly impossible. And while Berserk offered increased power, it came at the cost of defense and stability¡ªand he needed all the stability he could muster right now to refrain from being torn asunder. Falling unconscious once the skill¡¯s activation time elapsed would also spell certain doom.

    Moreover, Zephyr hesitated to use Divine Armament for his own benefit, reserving it instead for Daisuke¡¯s protection given the skill¡¯s extensive recovery time. If anything were to happen to Daisuke, he would have utterly failed his given¡ª

    WHAMM!

    The demihuman swung its club in a wide arc, crashing it into a group of unsuspecting goblins. Like bowling pins, the creatures were sent flying, one of them colliding with Zephyr and hurling them both into the cavern wall. A pained howl escaped the canine as they crashed to the ground, the impact leaving them dazed and vulnerable.

    Daisuke¡¯s heart sank, rage and apprehension combining to form a dark and turbulent cocktail that coursed through his veins. The Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang danced through the air like a frenzied beast, cleaving and skewering any goblin that dared to draw near. Realizing he wouldn¡¯t reach Zephyr in time to administer a potion, Daisuke poured all his efforts into his last remaining option.

    [Name: Zephyr

    Level: 29 | EXP: 131,370/131,406 (99.97%)

    Race: Divine Beast

    Species: Wolf

    HP: 372/5831 | MP: 147/1237 | Attack: 255 | Defense: 149 | Satiety: 31/100 | Loyalty: 44/100

    Strength: 191 (+34) | Constitution: 90 (+30) | Agility: 112 (+30) | Intelligence: 168 (+30) | Dexterity: 74 (+30) | Courage: 39 (+30)

    Stat Points: 0]

    Daisuke¡¯s focus narrowed onto Zephyr¡¯s Experience Points that were three digits shy of reaching one hundred percent. It was a risky gambit, but if he could dispatch just a few more goblins in time, Zephyr would level up, instantly replenishing his HP and MP.

    ¡°Kieekeeh!¡±

    The goblins cried out as the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang feasted with swift and unrelenting fury.

    (99.97%)

    ¡°Kiiiieeehhhk!¡±

    (99.98%)

    ¡°Kyeeeh!¡±

    (99.99%)

    But the gods were cruel.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in horror as the demihuman closed in on the motionless pup, its expression devoid of any emotion as it raised the hefty club overhead.

    BOOOOM!

    The ground trembled beneath the force of the club¡¯s descent, sending rocks and debris scattering like startled birds.

    ¡°ZEPHYR!¡± Daisuke¡¯s frantic cry cut through the chaos like a blade.

    The goblin raised his club with mild anticipation, expecting to find it slick with blood and gore. Yet, to his surprise, there was only the familiar wear and tear etched into the sturdy wood.

    All eyes turned to the edge of the plateau as flickers of golden electricity danced in the air. There stood Zephyr, his small form bathed in the lingering glow of a warm, white light. Behind him, Amara and Morgana stood with weary smiles, their bodies exhausted and faces worn. They had successfully executed the Mana Conversion spell, a delicate technique allowing the caster to siphon a portion of an individual¡¯s mana for their own use.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    Precision was paramount as extracting too much mana could mean a fatal case of mana deficiency for the donor, while too little left the caster waiting through an agonizingly long cooldown period to recast the spell.

    After Zephyr used Extreme Speed to withdraw, Amara swiftly attended to his wounds. Now, the Divine Beast peered down upon the lowly monsters that dared to bare their teeth, its oceanic eyes swirling like a storm, hellfire swelling in its jaws.

    ¡°K-Keekieh?!¡±

    The goblins glanced up at the lupine deity they had unwittingly angered, but found no sympathy in his glowing eyes.

    WHOOSHH!

    Daisuke soared upward, his figure silhouetted against the merciless blaze that consumed the cavern with its raging fury. The goblin¡¯s agonized cries faded beneath the thunderous roar of the inferno. When the flames finally subsided, only the shaman and the demihuman remained, shielded by their protective barrier amidst the charred remnants of their fallen brethren.

    ¡°I suppose this means¡­ we did alright?¡± muttered Amara with a relieved smile as she eased down to the ground.

    ¡°Make sure to¡­ make him pay for taking my leg,¡± Morgana declared, her eyes narrowing as she glared at the shaman. Then, with a weary sigh, she sank beside the healer, both girls slipping into unconsciousness.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± said Gloria, her voice steady and reassuring as she huddled beside them. ¡°I¡¯ll watch over them.¡±

    DING!

    [Zephyr¡¯s level has risen!]

    [Zephyr has learnt the skill ?Razor Fang?.]

    [Zephyr has learnt the skill ?Razor Claw?.]

    [Razor Fang]

    [Rank: Epic

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Manifests large blade-like fangs through condensed mana to bolster biting attacks. The more mana and physical force invested into the skill, the deadlier the fangs become.

    Razor Fang and Razor Claw share a distinctive synergy¡ªbased on the order of their utilization, they can trigger either a counter shield or a counter attack.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? When activated after Razor Claw, there¡¯s a 15% chance of triggering a counter shield lasting 3 seconds. If the counter shield is struck, damage equivalent to 450% of Zephyr¡¯s total mana is absorbed.

    ?? Each strike carries a 25% chance of activating the ?Lifesteal? skill.

    Mana Cost: 20

    Skill Duration: 30 Seconds

    Skill Cooldown: None]

    [Lifesteal]

    [Restores health equivalent to 15% of the damage dealt to enemies. Critical strikes recover 45% of the damage dealt as health.]

    [Razor Claw]

    [Rank: Epic

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Manifests large blade-like claws through condensed mana to bolster scratching, slashing, and piercing attacks. The more mana and physical force invested into the skill, the deadlier the claws become.

    Razor Fang and Razor Claw share a distinctive synergy¡ªbased on the order of their utilization, they can trigger either a counter shield or a counter attack.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? When activated after Razor Fang, there¡¯s a 15% chance of unleashing ?Cerulean Blue?, an offensive counter attack.

    ?? Each strike carries a 25% chance of activating the ?Magicsteal? skill.

    Mana Cost: 20

    Skill Duration: 30 Seconds

    Skill Cooldown: None]

    [Cerulean Blue]

    [A bolt of blue lightning descends from the heavens, dealing damage equal to 350% of Zephyr¡¯s total mana. Enemies within a one-meter radius are also subjected to 150% of this damage.

    There¡¯s a 10% chance of paralyzing enemies. Those inflicted by the ?Paralysis? Status suffer 50% more damage from electrical type-attacks.]

    [Magicsteal]

    [Restores mana equivalent to 5% of the damage dealt to enemies. Critical strikes recover 15% of the damage dealt as mana.]

    The two remaining goblins seethed with fury at the loss of their kin. As they leered at the oddly revitalized wolf pup, Daisuke kicked off the ceiling with all his might, hurling downward like a tractor beam.

    SWHISHH!

    Before the shaman could retaliate with a protective barrier, its arm, clutching the staff, was sent flying to the side.

    ¡°Keeeriiick!¡± the bastard howled in agony.

    ¡°That¡¯s payback for taking that girl¡¯s leg,¡± Daisuke muttered, purple blood staining the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang.

    Zephyr peered down at the demihuman over the bridge of his snout, returning the creature¡¯s contemptuous gaze. Suddenly, the pup vanished from his lofty perch, leaving the creature bewildered. Switching to its olfactory senses, the demihuman attempted to track Zephyr¡¯s movements by scent, but the pup was too fast to follow.

    WHOOOSH!

    Zephyr streaked past the demihuman like a blur, fangs forged of condensed mana effortlessly peeling off a section of its leather armor that was once seemingly indestructible.

    For the first time since their duel began, the creature¡¯s expression twisted in disbelief and frustration. It had clearly underestimated Zephyr¡¯s agility, and now with the hordes of goblins gone, there was nothing to hinder the canine¡¯s speed.

    As Zephyr darted off again, the goblin braced itself for the attack, planning to shift from defense to offense the moment the wolf¡¯s momentum waned after his assault.

    The creature¡¯s breath caught in its throat as four streaks of light, reminiscent of claw marks, glinted in its widened eyes. A pained roar tore from its lungs as mana hardened and sharpened like steel, etched a bloody path across its eye, down its face, and along its torso.

    In a sudden shift, the goblin swallowed its cry, tightened its grasp on the club, and with all its might, swung the weapon in a tight arc.

    CLANGG!

    The creature¡¯s eye dilated in shock as its wooden club collided with a translucent wall of energy. The counter shield tolled like a bell, sending ripples across its surface in a honeycomb pattern before dissipating. Though the goblin¡¯s attack had landed, Zephyr merely staggered back a few steps, completely unscathed.

    Before the goblin¡¯s hairless eyebrows could pull down into a tight scowl, it glimpsed a curious flicker of electricity. In an instant, its body was ensnared by a paralyzing current, coiling around it like a serpent.

    PISHH!

    The shaman¡¯s bloodied and swollen face snapped to the side with each blow, purple blood staining the cave floor with every strike. In addition to depleting its mana from repetitive use of barriers and offensive spells, it had also lost a significant amount of blood along with its precious staff.

    Daisuke¡¯s fists hammered into the creature, driven by a cocktail of righteous fury and the need to release pent-up tension. His fists found their mark again and again. With every strike, he felt a measure of relief, but above all, he longed for this harrowing ordeal to come to an end.

    Summoning a Magic Chain, Daisuke callously looped it around the shaman¡¯s neck before delivering a swift kick that sent the creature careening into the paralyzed demihuman. With a display of his own remarkable agility, he circled the struggling goblins, binding them both in the chains.

    ¡°Zephyr!¡± he called out tellingly.

    The pup didn¡¯t need another word to comprehend his comrade¡¯s meaning. The air crackled with energy as the canine tapped into the depths of his power. Golden wisps of electricity danced around his legs as he called upon Extreme Speed, his oceanic eyes stirring with an eerie storm.

    Without hesitation or remorse, Zephyr surrendered himself to his predatory instincts and descended upon the goblins like a twister. Reinforced fangs and claws flashed in the dim light as he unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks, each strike leaving behind a trail of shimmering golden sparks.

    The goblins howled in agony as the onslaught intensified. Bolts of blue lightning arced through the chamber, searing through flesh and bone with unstoppable force. In mere moments, the once formidable foes were reduced to smoldering husks, their cries silenced by the wings of justice.

    DING!

    [Haxks has slain the Hidden Boss ?Demihuman Goblin?.]

 CHAPTER 88: The Fate of the Offspring

    The goblins howled in agony as the onslaught intensified. Bolts of blue lightning arced through the chamber, searing through flesh and bone with unstoppable force. In mere moments, the once formidable foes were reduced to smoldering husks, their cries silenced by the wings of justice.

    DING!

    [Haxks has slain the Hidden Boss ?Demihuman Goblin?.]

    [99,666 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [Titan¡¯s Mind Cuff has been acquired.]

    [Demihuman Skull Charm has been acquired.]

    [Demihuman Goblin¡¯s Heart has been acquired.]

    [Blackened Bone Shard has been acquired.]

    [3333 Gold has been acquired.]

    DING!

    [The quest ?Seeds of Ruin? has been completed!]

    [15,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [Grimhorn Totemstaff has been acquired.]

    [Runetablet has been acquired.]

    [90 Gold has been acquired.]

    [Grimhorn Totemstaff (Bounded Item)]

    [Rank: Unique

    Type: Staff

    Melee Attack Power: 4 | Magical Attack Power: 209~255 | Durability: 34/43 | Accuracy: 69

    A relic of goblin legend, the Grimhorn Totemstaff is an ancient artifact that commands the power of transformation. At its peak, a menacing skull adorned with twisted horns gazes out with eyes ablaze, its eye sockets fitted with shimmering gems that pulsate with arcane energy.

    ?? HP & MP Regen Speed +10%

    ?? Unlocks the ?Intrinsic Transformation? skill.

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 20+ | Strength 3+ | Stamina 10+ | Intelligence 50]

    [Intrinsic Transformation]

    [Enables the wielder to shape-shift into various forms, from an innocent human child to a savage beast. Mastery of this ability requires a deep connection to the primordial forces of nature and the cunning intellect of the Goblin Shaman.]

    [Titan¡¯s Mind Cuff]

    [Rating: Legendary

    Durability: 8/8 | Magical Defense: 7.3% | Magical & Physical Balance: 8.6%

    A broad, intricately crafted bracelet forged from iron. It¡¯s imbued with the strength of giants and the wisdom of ancient sages, channeling immense might and intellect to its wearer.

    ?? Attack Damage +5

    ?? Magical Damage +7

    ?? Str +3

    ?? Int +5

    ?? Stamina +10

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 26+]

    Daisuke doubled over with his hands on his knees, chest heaving as he took a moment to catch his breath. ¡°We did it!¡± he exclaimed, his grin stretching from ear to ear as he shot Zephyr a thumbs up.

    ¡°Arf!¡± the pup responded, his tail wagging in excitement.

    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t believe we just scored a legendary item,¡± Daisuke panted. ¡°I guess any less¡­ after defeating a unique monster would be unfair.¡±

    ***

    Daisuke¡¯s gaze shifted from Morgana and Amara¡¯s resting forms to the downtrodden mothers and their demihuman children. Though their shackles had been shattered and the wicked goblins defeated, there was a palpable unease lingering in the air, a tension that weighed heavily on their shoulders despite their newfound freedom.

    Perplexed, Daisuke furrowed his brow.

    Gloria leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°They¡¯re deeply troubled.¡±

    ¡°¡­About returning home after all this time?¡±

    The woman shook her head slowly. ¡°No, it¡¯s about returning home with their children.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened with the weight of understanding, his once bright gaze dimming as he considered the mothers¡¯ silent fears.

    He tried wholeheartedly to smooth his features into a cool mask as one of the toddlers timidly approached.

    ¡°Play?¡± the child inquired, his voice carrying a glimmer of hope and innocence as he looked up at his rescuer.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    A wan smile tugged at Daisuke¡¯s lips, his eyes betraying a flicker of emotion as he saw a glimpse of April in the child before him. Crouching down to the toddler¡¯s level, he gently stroked his head.

    ¡°How about we leave this stuffy cave first?¡± he suggested softly.

    At the mention of an adventure, the other three children perked up, their faces brightening with excitement.

    ***

    As the afternoon sun gradually shifted toward the north, drifting clouds cast fleeting shadows across the rolling plains and distant mountains. Outside the abandoned village, a sprawling forest beckoned with the promise of mystery and adventure. The air resonated with the melodious warble of birdsong, carrying a sense of tranquility for miles around.

    Gone was the oppressive stench of the cavern, replaced by the invigorating fragrance of the untamed wilderness. For the children, who had known only the dank confines of captivity, the newfound scent was exhilarating.

    Morgana and Amara were placed to rest under the cool shade of a nearby tree. Meanwhile, Zephyr frolicked with the children, their laughter filling the air as they chased insects and playfully dared each other to nibble on blades of grass.

    Daisuke, engaged in conversation with Gloria and the four mothers, couldn¡¯t help but sense the females¡¯ discomfort. Though he bore no resemblance to the goblins and his skin was far from green, the women struggled to meet his gaze. The mere presence of a man seemed to dredge up painful memories and evoke anxiety in them. Yet, driven by their determination to protect their offspring, they bravely endured his company.

    Daisuke had only been away from Dusthaven for several weeks, but it was ample time to convince him that the world wasn¡¯t ready to accept the children. Throughout history, humanity had shown a reluctance to embrace those who were different. Whether from fear of the unknown or a lack of understanding, society tended to either reject or marginalize those who didn¡¯t fit the norm. Even in the present day, women still struggled for equality, facing discrimination and undervaluation.

    In Sehreneti Online, legislation concerning human rights was still extremely lackluster. However, the issue extended beyond humans. The world was populated by a diverse array of species, each with its own place in the societal hierarchy.

    Demihumans, in particular, faced significant discrimination and were often exploited as slaves. Yet, Daisuke feared that the goblins wouldn¡¯t even be afforded that grim status. As a new species of Beastkin, they would likely be condemned as abominations and swiftly eradicated.

    After explaining his plan to the mothers and calming their fears, Daisuke moved on to finalize the last part of the puzzle.

    ¡°Hey, Zephyr!¡±

    The pup bounded over at his comrade¡¯s beckoning call. ¡°Hey, buddy¡­ I¡¯m going to need a huge favor.¡±

    ¡°Kyuu?¡± the pup tilted his head inquisitively.

    Daisuke knelt down, his hand affectionately ruffling the canine¡¯s fur. ¡°I need you to take them to Elmridge Village,¡± he said, nodding towards the girls who offered sincere bows. ¡°Guide them to April and the others safely. With your skills, I know you can do it.¡±

    The pup hesitated, weighing his options.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Daisuke reassured with a warm smile. ¡°I promise to keep out of trouble until you get back.¡±

    ¡°Arf!¡± Zephyr barked in agreement, his tail wagging vigorously.

    ¡°Attaboy!¡± Daisuke praised, his voice brimming with encouragement.

    The girls¡¯ faces lit up with radiant smiles as they bowed again in gratitude. Gloria¡¯s own smile widened, her only lingering concern revolving around Zephyr¡¯s ability to safeguard the group from the perils lurking in the wilderness. Yet, she found solace in the fact that she had already witnessed firsthand the remarkable capabilities of the young wolf.

    ¡°As for the return trip,¡± Daisuke whispered nervously as he secured a necklace around Zephyr¡¯s neck. ¡°I know you hate it, but I¡¯ll reset your summoning at the end of the day. That should give you enough time to make the trip. Sounds good?¡±

    ¡°Grrr.¡±

    Daisuke offered an apologetic smile. ¡°I know you¡¯re bummed out about the summoning, but just do it this once¡­ for the kids, okay?¡±

    The toddlers gazed up with wide, innocent eyes, and Zephyr broke into a sweat at the blinding intensity of their pleading stares. Feeling the weight of their expectation, the pup sighed, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation at Daisuke before reluctantly conceding to the request.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Daisuke attempted to appease. ¡°I¡¯ll have plenty of barbecue prepared in time for your return.¡±

    Zephyr¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation, steam spewing from his nostrils in excitement.

    Internally, Daisuke couldn¡¯t help but smirk. Hook, line, and sinker!

    Everyone regarded the canine awkwardly.

    After saying their goodbyes, Daisuke and Gloria watched as the group vanished into the distance.

    ¡°Tantyu~¡± one of the toddlers chimed while waving.

    ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll be alright?¡± Gloria wondered aloud.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time Zephyr¡¯s been entrusted with such an important task,¡± Daisuke reassured her. ¡°Let¡¯s trust in him. They¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ***

    ¡°I¡¯m sure a man of your esteemed stature has already sampled most of the forbidden delights this world has to offer.¡±

    These words were uttered by Casimir¡ªa familiar man of considerable girth for whom Reeza had been amassing an exorbitant amount of coin.

    Across the table from him sat a guest exuding an air of eloquence, unmistakably of noble lineage. The scene was completed by their formidable escorts, standing sentinel-like at their sides, their expressions stoic and unreadable.

    ¡°But, personally,¡± Casimir continued, ¡°I doubt a youthful mind could fully comprehend the sophisticated needs of a man. However¡­ imagine a female with the intellect of a grown woman and a physique radiating the allure of a forbidden fruit.¡±

    The noble¡¯s eyebrow lifted with interest, an amused smile curling his lips.

    ¡°What if one could truly have the best of both worlds?¡±

    Following Casimir¡¯s words, a progression of several diminutive women quietly entered the room. They formed orderly lines before the two men, their demeanor serene and composed. Bathed and perfumed with incense, they were clad in their finest attire.

    One among them, petite yet curvaceous, caught the nobleman¡¯s attention. Her face, whitened by cosmetics, was in beautiful contrast to her flowing pink locks and striking ruby-red eyes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡ª¡± the nobleman stuttered, his curiosity piqued.

    ¡°I expected nothing less from a man as well-traveled and knowledgeable as yourself,¡± Casimir praised with a sly twist of his lips. ¡°Your discerning eye is truly remarkable. As you¡¯ve guessed, these are Florian women¡ªa rare breed of demihumans found only in the remote countrysides of the eastern continent.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± The man rose to his feet, his excitement palpable as he approached the women with the wonder of a child encountering a treasure trove for the first time. ¡°I¡¯ve never beheld such marvels! They¡¯re absolutely exquisite!¡±

    Casimir¡¯s laughter rumbled through the room, his belly shaking with mirth. ¡°We do aim to please,¡± he replied humbly, though a smug grin couldn¡¯t help but creep across his face. ¡°Many high-ranking dignitaries have savored the delights our establishment offers. In fact, they were so impressed that they¡¯ve all agreed to invest in our enterprise.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± The man turned away from the women to meet Casimir¡¯s gaze, his expression a mix of curiosity and condescension. ¡°Men of my stature are quite comfortable in terms of wealth, so what benefit would investing in this venture hold?¡±

    ¡°Before we delve into such¡­ mundane matters,¡± Casimir interjected smoothly, his voice a whisper of silk. ¡°Why not select one of our courtesans to assist you in unwinding? After all, it was a long journey from the royal capital, wasn¡¯t it? Why don¡¯t you take this time to simply relax.¡±

    The man frowned. It was such a slight twist of his eyebrows that it was almost unrecognizable. He was fully aware of the serpent¡¯s attempt to curry favor¡ªa ploy designed to undermine his vigilance. But despite his confidence that such tactics would not sway him, he found himself undeniably intrigued by the prospect of tasting the unique wine offered by the deplorable man.

    ¡°In that case,¡± the nobleman agreed, his gaze lingering on the pink-haired woman¡¯s voluptuous curves and a flat-chested girl who exuded childlike innocence. ¡°I¡¯ll choose these two.¡±

    Two of them? Casimir¡¯s eye twitched momentarily in irritation. But he kept his expression even, knowing he couldn¡¯t afford to antagonize his potential investor. Presumptuous bastard!

    ¡°It seems your travels have stirred quite the appetite,¡± Casimir mused, his tone masking his simmering indignation. ¡°Allow us to satisfy that hunger.¡±

    As the courtesans were ushered into a room fit for royalty, the nobleman¡¯s predatory aura lingered behind them. Their indifferent expressions concealed the turmoil within, their eyes betraying no emotion.

 CHAPTER 89: The Devs Strike Again - Potions & the Healer Class

    As they journeyed back to Wonderelle along the road, Daisuke stole a glance at the hulking nun effortlessly bearing the lighter Amara on her back. As fatigue crept in, Daisuke couldn¡¯t help but curse his chivalrous obligations for shouldering the heavier burden.

    As he mused about being strangled by Morgana if she could hear his inner thoughts, Gloria began to speak, her voice breaking the silence. She unraveled the shaman¡¯s sinister schemes¡ªfrom calculated kidnappings, alliances with bandits, to the twisted psychological conditioning of his offspring to nurture evil inclinations.

    ¡°But that monster made a crucial mistake,¡± Gloria remarked, the disapproving furrow in her brow softening. ¡°It allowed the toddlers to remain with their mothers. Despite the circumstances, the girls did everything in their power to shower them with love and affection and instill in them a sense of right and wrong.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s expression darkened as Gloria informed him that the shaman had claimed sole authority over fathering the children based on his supposed superior DNA among the goblins. As for the nun herself, her confinement stemmed purely from her healing abilities¡ªshe was tasked with the responsibility of tending to the girls and aiding them through childbirth.

    Despite the unsettling revelations, one nagging question still lingered in Daisuke¡¯s mind. ¡°Morgana was selected to be another host, right?¡± he inquired, his brow creasing with curiosity. ¡°Then, out of all the others, why was she the only one who lost her leg?¡±

    Gloria pursed her lips, contemplating the unsettling notion. ¡°From what I understand, when Morgana and her companions were initially confronted by the goblins, she managed to defeat many of them, including a revered champion among the tribe.

    Now, this is merely speculation on my part, but it¡¯s possible that the monster couldn¡¯t control the goblins through reason alone. Given their wild and uncivilized nature, a degree of violence and savagery may be necessary to maintain the power dynamic.¡±

    Daisuke felt a lump form in his throat as Gloria searched for the right words to convey the grim truth. ¡°It¡¯s possible that her leg was offered to the tribe as a tribute to pacify their wrath,¡± she said, her tone heavy with sorrow.

    A brief silence lingered before Gloria shifted gears, injecting a note of hope into her words. ¡°However, I¡¯ve heard whispers of skilled blacksmiths capable of crafting prosthetic limbs from metal. With such advancements, Morgana¡¯s life as an adventurer may still be well within reach.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile, his gaze drifting to Morgana¡¯s peaceful visage resting on his shoulder.

    It wasn¡¯t long until the towering walls of a familiar town materialized in the distance. The welcoming sight of Wonderelle brought a sense of relief, a beacon of safety after their harrowing ordeal.

    After leaving the unconscious adventures at the monastery and being reassured by Gloria that they would be thoroughly looked after, Daisuke bid her farewell and promptly took his leave.

    ***

    It had been nearly a month since Daisuke last graced the town¡¯s cobblestone streets, hopelessly ensnared in the throes of a perilous adventure. If he had failed to escape the dungeon¡¯s clutches, would anyone in this bustling town even notice his absence?

    As he surveyed the busy plaza¡ªpeople flickering in and out through the teleportation gate, players bellowing requests for party members, and merchants¡¯ caravans flowing ceaselessly in and out of town¡ªhe couldn¡¯t shake the weight of his deep-seated pessimism.

    When was the last time I got a proper night¡¯s rest in a comfortable bed? He pondered inwardly. It feels like ages ago. Right after that dungeon escapade, I pretty much made a beeline for Elmridge Village. My inventory¡¯s bursting with loot I haven¡¯t had the chance to sort through yet. Might as well take care of it all before retrieving Zephyr. First up, a visit to the apothecary.

    Daisuke sneezed and shivered as he walked down the busy avenue. ¡°Now that I think about it, my birthday was just last month in October,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°Which means we¡¯re only a month away from winter. Thankfully, it doesn¡¯t snow in these parts, but I still need to come up with a plan before it gets unbearably cold. Sleeping outside won¡¯t be an option anymore if I can¡¯t afford lodgings. Ah, the struggles of poverty.¡±

    Daisuke was jolted back to reality by the sharp clatter of something striking the cobblestone street behind him. At the very last second, he managed to nimbly sidestep an incoming rickshaw taxi¡ªa makeshift vehicle drawn by hand with two wheels.

    In that suspended moment, time seemed to slow as his gaze locked with the woman seated in the passenger¡¯s seat. Her captivating jade green eyes and refined features peeked out from beneath the folds of her hooded cloak. Beside her, a man exuded an icy demeanor, his cloak veiling extravagant armor and a gleaming sword at his side.

    Disregarding the driver¡¯s disgruntled scowl as they passed, Daisuke pressed on toward the apothecary. Outside, a foldable wooden sign nestled amidst a charming garden beckoned passerby.

    Instead of a door, a pair of curtains partially obscured the interior. The air was rich with the fragrance of herbs, spices, and floral incense, a stark contrast to the sterile scent of hospitals.

    Speechless, Daisuke entered the shop, his eyes aglow with wonder as he absorbed the surreal atmosphere. Sunbeams poured in through glass windows, casting a golden hue that danced upon an array of glass bottles and vials, each containing a unique spectrum of colors.

    Wooden shelves, stretching tall, proudly showcased potions, plants, and trinkets of all kinds. Above, shrubbery adorned the ceiling like celestial clouds, while scattered mana crystals sparkled like stars in a distant galaxy.

    Mesmerized, Daisuke approached the counter, his gaze darting around the shop like a child in an amusement park. A patient old woman with snow-white hair glanced up from returning a book to its shelf, offering him a warm greeting.

    ¡°Ohyah?¡± she exclaimed softly, her eyes flickering open slightly as she observed him. ¡°A new face¡ªyou must be a fresh adventurer.¡±

    ¡°How could you tell?¡± Daisuke asked, intrigued.

    The woman¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°In Wonderelle, there are only four apothecaries, all owned by my siblings and me. We share the medical histories of our customers, ensuring any one of us can respond in the event of an emergency.¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡°That explains it. But still, remembering everyone¡¯s faces¡­¡±

    The woman chuckled lightly. ¡°After years in medicine, you pick up a few tricks to enhance memory.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Daisuke nodded, impressed.

    ¡°Now, how may I be of assistance today?¡±

    Daisuke was about to respond when a holographic menu materialized before him. Like your typical RPG, it displayed the familiar options to buy or sell and a comprehensive list of all the items available for purchase, along with their respective prices.

    He couldn¡¯t help but feel conflicted about the sudden shift from a conventional social interaction to a streamlined, self-regulated process. Yet, he couldn¡¯t deny the efficiency it brought to the transaction.

    He had a strong feeling he could choose between this method and having the woman aid him personally. But since the menu was already opened¡­

    ________________________________________________

    [Vitaberry] - $3 Gold | Owned: 12

    [Gathered from the Vitality Tree, Vitaberries serve as the key ingredient in crafting health recovery potions.

    Item Effect: Replenishes 150 health

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    ________________________________________________

    [Small HP Recovery Potion] - $7 Gold | Owned: 18

    [A potion brewed by combining Celestia Flowers and Vitaberries. Its restorative potency varies depending on the concentration grade.

    Item Effect: Replenishes 450 health

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    ________________________________________________

    [Medium HP Recovery Potion] - $10 Gold | Owned: 0

    [A potion brewed by combining Celestia flowers, Vitaberries, and Bloomwhisper Herbs. Its restorative potency varies depending on the concentration grade.

    Item Effect: Replenishes 1,500 health

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    ________________________________________________

    [Etherberry] - $3 Gold | Owned: 8

    [Etherberry bushes require plenty of water and moonlight to grow, and it is rumored that exposure to mana supposedly helps to accelerate their growth to maturity. Etherberry are a crucial component in the creation of mana replenishing potions.

    Item Effect: Replenishes 150 mana

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    ________________________________________________

    [Small MP Recovery Potion] - $7 Gold | Owned: 14

    [A potion brewed by combining Lunarfrost Lily and Etherberries. Its restorative potency varies depending on the concentration grade.

    Item Effect: Replenishes 450 mana

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    ________________________________________________

    [Medium MP Recovery Potion] - $10 Gold | Owned: 0

    [A potion brewed by combining Lunarfrost Lily, Etherberries, and Bloomwhisper Herbs. Its restorative potency varies depending on the concentration grade.

    Item Effect: Replenishes 1,500 mana

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    ________________________________________________

    [Antidote] - $5 Gold | Owned: 7

    [A bitter herbal remedy that induces a chill in the throat when swallowed. Combining a careful blend of curative plants, it swiftly neutralizes various poisons, providing instantaneous relief.

    Item Effect: Cures poison

    Cooldown: 10 Seconds]

    ________________________________________________

    [Burn Heal] - $12 Gold | Owned: 5

    [A healing brew, concocted from a careful blend of five ingredients, with the Lunarfrost Lily as its core element. Upon application, it wraps the affected area in a cool, soothing aura, swiftly reducing inflammation and expediting healing.

    Item Effect: Heals burn wounds of any degree and replenishes 450 HP.

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    ________________________________________________

    [Antarctic Balm] - $13 Gold | Owned: 0

    [A soothing ointment that blankets the skin with a refreshing coolness upon application. Specifically formulated to provide targeted relief from paralysis and stun, swiftly restoring mobility and clarity.

    Item Effect: Cures Paralysis and Stun

    Cooldown: 10 Seconds]

    ________________________________________________

    [Resonance Herb] - $15 Gold | Owned: 0

    [Harnessing the essence of essential oils, potent herbs, and pureed mushrooms, this herbal remedy serves as a powerful antidote for silence. It restores vocal resonance and corrects the flow of mana.

    Item Effect: Dispels silence

    Cooldown: 10 Seconds]

    ________________________________________________

    [Downy Feather] - $17 Gold | Owned: 0

    [This mystical feather, obtained from the mighty Griffin, carries the whispers of the wind¡¯s gentle erosion.

    Item Effect: Dispels petrification.

    Cooldown: 10 Seconds]

    ________________________________________________

    [Omni-Remedy] - $25 Gold | Owned: 0

    [An unparalleled elixir crafted from a fusion of rare flora and fauna. It possesses the ability to effortlessly cure all manner of status ailments and restore balance and vitality to those in need.

    Skill Effect: Cures all status ailments

    Cooldown: 60 Seconds]

    ________________________________________________

    Daisuke¡¯s brows furrowed, a sheen of sweat breaking out on his forehead as he browsed the list of ridiculously overpriced consumables. But this blatant case of highway robbery wasn¡¯t a monopolistic ploy orchestrated by this old woman and her three siblings.

    No, these inflated prices were, in fact, programmed into the game by its developers. It was a deliberate tactic to elevate the value of the healer class and incentivize players to incorporate them into their parties. However, only a few players showed any interest in assuming the role of a healer due to the stringent rules and regulations associated with the class.

    Firstly, they had to select a patron deity and locate the corresponding church to begin their journey. Only after enduring a series of demanding initiations and trials in the form of quests would they earn the coveted title and blessings of a healer.

    After earning this privilege, players were obligated to devote several hours each day to prayer to maintain their divine powers. Failure to do so resulted in the loss of these abilities, necessitating a repeat of the initiation process.

    Additionally, they were required to contribute to society by performing daily acts of kindness. It could be as simple as assisting the elderly with their groceries to feeding a stray Bearhound. Yet, these prerequisites were undeniably time-consuming, especially for a class with almost zero combat capabilities.

    As for the NPC healers¡ªquite frankly, they didn¡¯t really trust the players and seldomly agreed to join their parties. Consequently, many players found themselves left with no choice but to purchase the exorbitantly priced items, despite their reluctance to do so.

    Skimming over the remedies for status ailments such as Blindness, Curse, Frostbite, and Bleed, Daisuke scrolled down to the bottom of the list where something intriguingly different caught his eye.

    [Repel Incense] - $20 Gold | Owned: 0

    [A sack containing a repulsive brew of ingredients that acts as a natural deterrent to keep most monsters away.

    Skill Effect: Repels most monsters

    Duration: 2 Hours]

    Daisuke rubbed his chin in contemplation. Most of the potions and antidotes I have are from monster drops, so I¡¯m pretty confident I¡¯ll come across a few of the other items if I keep hunting.

    But I have a feeling the Repel Incense won¡¯t be as easy to come by, if it even drops at all. It might be wise to grab one or two just in case. Hm¡­ He glanced at the 235 gold in his inventory.

    Twenty gold is quite a hefty price, especially since I need items from several other stores too. Alright, let¡¯s sell off some of these monster drops and then see where we stand.

    ¡°Oh!¡± the woman¡¯s eyes widened with surprise as Daisuke selected all the relevant items and completed the sale. ¡°These are incredibly rare materials,¡± she mused, her tone filled with awe. ¡°And they¡¯re in pristine condition, too. Thank you very much for your business!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s lips stretched into an unusually wide grin, his eyes obscured by the shadow of his bangs as he entertained a vivid fantasy.

    In his imagination, Wallet-kun had morphed into a voluptuous woman. She was hot and bothered, radiating an irresistible allure as she struck a seductive pose. She was clad in a skimpy outfit that left little to the imagination, bursting at the seams as the 315 gold coins he just made began to overflow.

    ¡°I-Is there anything else I can assist you with?¡± the woman stuttered, visibly unsettled by the youth¡¯s peculiar expression.

    ¡°R-Right! Sorry about that,¡± Daisuke said apologetically, his hand instinctively moving to tousle the back of his head. ¡°I¡¯ll take two Repel Incense, please.¡±

 CHAPTER 90: Shopping Spree

    As Daisuke browsed through the prices for magic bags in the General Store, his mental depiction of Wallet-kun shifted drastically. Now, she appeared as a frail, withered old woman on the verge of fading away into oblivion.

    ________________________________________________

    [Agate Magic Bag] - $50,000 Gold | Owned: 0

    [Utilizing the rudimentary principles of alchemy and runesmithing, a small pocket of space-time has been intricately woven into this satchel.

    Items can be stowed or retrieved through a mere exertion of will, and the satchel can be encrypted or locked by infusing it with mana. However, this security measure can be easily unraveled by someone with greater mana than the designated owner.]

    Available Slots: 10

    Weight Capacity: 4,000lbs/1,814kg

    Special Effects: None]

    ________________________________________________

    [Jasper Magic Bag] - $200,000 Gold | Owned: 0

    [Utilizing the rudimentary principles of alchemy and runesmithing, a small pocket of space-time has been intricately woven into this satchel.

    Items can be stowed or retrieved through a mere exertion of will, and the satchel can be encrypted or locked by infusing it with mana. However, this security measure can be easily unraveled by someone with greater mana than the designated owner.]

    Available Slots: 40

    Weight Capacity: 6,000lbs/2,722kg

    Special Effects: Slows internal time by 9.09%]

    ________________________________________________

    [Citrine Magic Bag] - $400,000 Gold | Owned: 0

    [¡­]

    Available Slots: 70

    Weight Capacity: 9,000lbs/4,082kg

    Special Effects: Slows internal time by 18.18%]

    ________________________________________________

    [Amethyst Magic Bag] - $800,000 Gold | Owned: 0

    [¡­]

    Available Slots: 100

    Weight Capacity: 13,500lbs/6,124kg

    Special Effects: Slows internal time by 27.27%]

    ________________________________________________

    [Garnet Magic Bag] - $1,600,000 Gold | Owned: 0

    [¡­]

    Available Slots: 130

    Weight Capacity: 20,250lbs/9,185kg

    Special Effects: Slows internal time by 36.36%]

    ________________________________________________

    Daisuke¡¯s soul was just about ready to depart from his mouth by the time he reached the bottom of the list. This can¡¯t be real, he thought incredulously. Are you seriously telling me that the starting price for a magic bag is 50k gold? Oh, hell no! I can¡¯t afford that! He exclaimed before taking a deep, calming breath.

    It¡¯s fine, he reassured himself. I have all the space I could possibly need inside my inventory. It¡¯s just a shame I won¡¯t be able to test if it¡¯s possible to store more monsters if they¡¯re inside of a magic bag. Oh well.

    Shifting his focus, Daisuke navigated to a different category of items and sifted through the listings until his gaze settled on a robust tent with enough room to comfortably accommodate three people. With a decisive nod, he added it to his cart before proceeding to replace all the cooking equipment and ingredients he had generously gifted to the Beastfolk at Elmridge.

    After selecting a small makeshift table, several pots, utensils, an array of seasonings, and parting with 145 gold, Daisuke emerged from the store with his purchases in tow. Then, with purposeful strides, he set off towards his next destination.

    ***

    A weathered wooden sign hung proudly above the entrance of the blacksmith¡¯s store, depicting an intricately forged hammer and anvil against a backdrop of swirling flames. The sign bore the unmistakable marks of countless years, its once-vibrant colors faded to a rustic patina by the passage of time.

    ¡°It took only two months, but I¡¯m finally here,¡± muttered Daisuke.

    Upon stepping inside, the atmosphere shifted from the bustling streets of a large town to an enchanting realm of craftsmanship and industry. The interior of the shop was dimly lit, illuminated primarily by the flickering glow of the forge at the back. The air was heavy with the scent of burning coal and heated metal, mingling with the sharp tang of oil and sweat.

    Rows of gleaming weapons and armor adorned the walls, each piece a testament to the skill and dedication of the blacksmith. Swords, axes, and shields stood proudly on display, their polished surfaces reflecting the dancing flames of the forge. The rhythmic clang of metal on metal echoed throughout the shore, punctuated by the occasional hiss of steam as a freshly forged weapon was plunged into a quenching trough.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    At the center of the workshop stood the blacksmith¡¯s anvil, its surface scarred and pitted from years of use. Behind it, a burly figure clad in a leather apron and soot-stained attire worked tirelessly, hammer in hand, shaping molten metal into works of artistry and utility.

    ¡°Welcome,¡± the man grunted, his hammer striking the metal in a precise arch. ¡°What can I getcha?¡± He asked without shifting his gaze, the heated metal casting a fiery glow across his bearded face.

    ¡°I was hoping to buy and sell some equipment,¡± responded Daisuke.

    ¡°Take a look around,¡± the man invited, the incandescent metal sizzling upon the anvil with each droplet of sweat from his chin. ¡°I¡¯ll join you once I¡¯m finished here.¡±

    Before Daisuke could approach the wide array of equipment adorning the walls and mannequins, a vibrant blue holographic menu materialized within his field of vision, capturing his attention.

    ¡°Should¡¯ve expected as much,¡± he murmured, his tone tinged with resignation before he shifted his focus. As he began browsing through the catalog, a frown gradually creased his brow.

    [Bronze Sword] - $450 Gold | Owned: 0

    [Rank: Normal

    Type: Sword

    Melee Attack Power: 115~129 | Durability: 79/79 | Attack Speed: +4%

    Simple in design, yet functional, the Bronze Sword serves as a faithful companion to those taking their first steps into the realm of adventure. With proper care and skillful wielding, it can prove to be a dependable tool for facing the trials that lie ahead.

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 30+ | Strength 35+ | Stamina 20+]

    ________________________________________________

    [Iron Glaive] - $565 Gold | Owned: 0

    [Rank: Normal

    [¡­]

    ________________________________________________

    [Steel Knuckles] - $670 Gold | Owned: 0

    [Rank: Normal

    [¡­]

    ________________________________________________

    Swords, polearms, hammers, shields, and armor pieces¡ªeverything listed carried a staggeringly high price tag, even down to the humble arrows and whetstones.

    To add insult to injury, their stats were far from impressive. Yet, this revelation hardly surprised Daisuke. Typically, in the realm of MMOs and RPGs, items peddled by NPCs¡ªweapons, armor, and accessories, often fell short, lacking any special effects or modifiers and commanding exorbitant prices.

    It was like purchasing a brand-new car¡ªexpensive, with all parts standard-issue. If one sought fancy rims, spoilers, side skirts, or performance upgrades, aftermarket components were a must. In the world of video games, there were several ways to supply those aftermarket components, or items with rare and special attributes.

    The most common method entailed hunting monsters. Four out of five times, it¡¯s likely that the items dropped by a mob not only had options, but its Base Attack, Defense, Critical Hit Rate, and other primary stats were higher in comparison to the same items sold by NPCs.

    The second most popular method was to commission a skilled craftsman, such as a blacksmith, to forge weapons or equipment using special materials. These items are almost always guaranteed to boast special or unique modifiers, which made this option especially enticing to Daisuke.

    After selecting all but a few of the two months¡¯ worth of irrelevant monster materials, weapons, and equipment he hadn¡¯t gotten the opportunity to sell before now, Daisuke took one final appraising look at a particular staff.

    [Grimhorn Totemstaff (Bounded Item)]

    [Rank: Unique

    Type: Staff

    Melee Attack Power: 4 | Magical Attack Power: 209~255 | Durability: 34/43 | Accuracy: 69

    A relic of goblin legend, the Grimhorn Totemstaff is an ancient artifact that commands the power of transformation. At its peak, a menacing skull adorned with twisted horns gazes out with eyes ablaze, its eye sockets fitted with shimmering gems that pulsate with arcane energy.

    ?? HP & MP Regen Speed +10%

    ?? Unlocks the ?Intrinsic Transformation? skill.

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 20+ | Strength 3+ | Stamina 10+ | Intelligence 50]

    [Intrinsic Transformation]

    [Enables the wielder to shape-shift into various forms, from an innocent human child to a savage beast. Mastery of this ability requires a deep connection to the primordial forces of nature and the cunning intellect of the Goblin Shaman.]

    Without hesitation, Daisuke attempted to add the staff to the list of items designated for sale. However, with each attempt to check the box or command the item to select, the menu window momentarily flickered and shifted from its customary blue hue to an ominous shade of red.

    ¡°Sorry, kid, but I won¡¯t be able to buy that item off your hands,¡± the blacksmith paused his hammering to inform. ¡°It¡¯s bound to its previous owner.¡±

    ¡°Previous owner?¡± Daisuke murmured in surprise, his brow furrowing as he skimmed through the weapon¡¯s description. There, he took note of two annoying bits of information: [Grimhorn Totemstaff (Bound Item)] and [Mastery of this ability requires a deep connection to the primordial forces of nature and the cunning intellect of the Goblin Shaman.]

    Are you freakin¡¯ kidding me right now?! Daisuke fumed inwardly. Even in death this damn goblin continues to be a headache!

    His teeth ground together with a murderous frown, but as he confirmed the sale of all the other items and took note of the amount of gold he made, his expression transformed. Suddenly, he seemed to radiate an angelic glow.

    3,874 gold! He beamed, the words ringing out like wind chimes in his mind. When I add that to my current funds, that¡¯s a whopping total of 4,279 gold! Holy Moly! Is this for real?!

    ¡°Ohh~¡± exclaimed the blacksmith, finally stepping away from the anvil as he assessed the edge of a pair of throwing axes Daisuke had just sold. ¡°This is an impressive assortment of items. It looks like you¡¯ve had your fair share of adventures.¡±

    ¡°Some of which I¡¯d much rather forget,¡± admitted Daisuke with a hint of weariness.

    The burly man nodded sympathetically, raking his large, calloused fingers through his thick beard. ¡°I can understand that¡ªonce upon a time, I used to be an adventurer myself. Now, you mentioned that you were interested in buying something?¡±

    ¡°On second thought,¡± Daisuke began, his tone thoughtful, ¡°would it be possible for you to forge a custom item for me instead?¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s expression hardened as memories flooded back of the arduous battles against Volturax and the stone golems. It was incredibly frustrating, and yet it was but a matter of time before he once again encountered such monsters. Before that moment arrived, he needed a more efficient way to defeat them.

    ¡°Of course!¡± the blacksmith agreed, his chest swelling with confidence. ¡°What sort of item did you have in mind?¡±

    Daisuke rubbed his chin contemplatively. ¡°A weapon, preferably a pair of daggers. Would that be possible?¡±

    ¡°Consider it done!¡± the man boomed with laughter, giving Daisuke a hearty slap on the back that sent him flying. ¡°Where do you think you are? This is the finest blacksmith in all of Wonderelle! My hammer and anvil will craft the perfect pair of daggers for you! Just you wait!¡±

    Daisuke scratched his cheek with an awkward smile. ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear it. I¡¯ll leave everything in your capable hands then.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re requesting a custom weapon, I¡¯m guessing you¡¯ve also brought the materials you want me to use?¡±

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Daisuke muttered, retrieving Volturax¡¯s fangs and tail, which he placed atop a nearby worktable.

    It took but a single glance before the blacksmith pursed his lips and began breaking into a sweat, his once ruddy complexion turning white. His head slowly pivoted around like an old, creaking door. ¡°I can¡¯t do it.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s expression settled into a poker face, a cold draft drifting through the once hot workshop. Where did all that confidence go? ¡°What do you mean you can¡¯t do it?¡±

    ¡°¡­I can tell that these are very high-quality materials,¡± the blacksmith explained with a touch of regret in his voice. ¡°And while it pains me to admit, I gotta say a blacksmith of my caliber wouldn¡¯t be able to do these materials any justice.¡±

    ¡°Then¡ª¡±

    The man regarded the materials once more, his fingers tracing thoughtfully through his beard. ¡°My recommendation is to visit the capital,¡± he suggested. ¡°There, you¡¯ll find blacksmiths with the expertise to handle materials of this caliber.¡±

    Daisuke crossed his arms and tiled his head in contemplation. Damn, this is pretty disappointing, but I guess it can¡¯t be helped. I was even thinking about upgrading my armor, but if the best blacksmith in town can¡¯t craft the weapons I need, then it¡¯s unlikely I¡¯ll find top-notch armor either.

    He sighed inwardly, weighing his options. Considering all the equipment stores likely source from local blacksmiths, I doubt I¡¯ll find anything better elsewhere. It¡¯s frustrating to think everything will be just as expensive and subpar as the weapons being sold here.

    You know what, this is fine, Daisuke reflected. I managed to snag the Swift Leather Boots as a monster drop in the dungeon. There were plenty of other drops later on, too, but since I was playing support and Gavric and the others were doing all the hunting, I let them keep the equipment they received.

    Unfortunately, none of the gear I got was compatible with my build. But now that I¡¯ll be hunting solo, I should have a better chance of finding equipment that suits me. Plus, with winter approaching, it¡¯s probably a good idea to start saving as much gold as possible.

 CHAPTER 91: Cleaveâ€™s Astonishment & Thaliaâ€™s Confession

    When Daisuke arrived at the Adventurers¡¯ Guild butcher shop, he noticed several wagons preparing to depart through a large door at the back of the expansive facility. These wagons, belonging to both local traders and traveling merchants, relied on the guild for sourcing monstron and other essential commodities.

    Cleave was in the process of concluding a business transaction with a respectful handshake when Daisuke approached.

    ¡°Oh, Haxks!¡± the man turned and greeted once the customer left. ¡°I heard you had fallen into a dungeon! I¡¯m glad to see that you¡¯re alright.¡±

    ¡°There were a few close calls,¡± Daisuke returned with a smile, ¡°but I managed to make it back out in one piece.¡±

    ¡°So? How long of a break will you be taking?¡±

    Daisuke frowned, confusion flickering across his face. ¡°Break?¡±

    ¡°Oh. Well, usually when young adventurers experience such close calls, they tend to take some time off to mentally recover from the trauma.¡±

    Sounds about right, Daisuke thought to himself. Except I¡¯m only a kid in appearance. ¡°Actually, I was hoping to leave some monsters with you to process.¡±

    Cleave looked a bit surprised, but he smoothed his angular face back into a wide grin and began slipping on his bloodstained gloves. ¡°Sure thing! Did you manage to bring back more of the monster this time around?¡±

    Without a word, Daisuke summoned his inventory and promptly retrieved the motionless corpse of the Giant Inferno Wolf.

    Cleave recoiled in abject shock, his eyes widening as they flowed over the sheer size of the lupine beast that took up a significant portion of space in the room. ¡°W-What? It can¡¯t be! Isn¡¯t that a Giant Inferno Wolf?¡± He shifted his gaze to Daisuke in disbelief. ¡°But that¡¯s a Floor Guardian! How did you¡ª¡±

    Daisuke allowed a smug smile to grace his lips, memories of the 11<sup>th</sup> floor of the dungeon flickering through his mind. He recalled the moment he had told Elena and the others that he was going to retrieve his dagger that was left in the Floor Guardian¡¯s body. But, in actuality, he just wanted to secretly test whether it was possible to store the monster¡¯s corpse inside his inventory. The result:

    ¡°This is unbelievable!¡± Cleave raved, his eyes twinkling like a lovesick teenager fawning over her high-school crush. ¡°I can¡¯t remember the last time I¡¯ve received a monster of this caliber! And it¡¯s almost in perfect condition!¡±

    I guess that makes a lot of sense, Daisuke thought.

    While players did have access to inventories, storing entire monster corpses was unfortunately not feasible. Additionally, these carcasses didn¡¯t linger for long after being slain, making it impossible to transport them via wagon.

    As for NPCs, although monsters slain by them left behind corpses that persisted for some time, transportation posed a challenge. As Daisuke had learned firsthand, magic bags were exorbitantly priced, putting them out of reach for most adventurers¡ªand relying on wagons presented its own set of risks.

    Corpse transportation was complicated by the presence of open wounds, and many monsters were drawn to the scent of blood. Hauling corpses around was not only labor-intensive and time-consuming but also akin to sending out a free dinner invitation to nearby monsters.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°Do you have any more space?¡± Daisuke asked casually.

    ¡°More space?¡± Cleave raised his bushy eyebrows suspiciously. ¡°Wait! You don¡¯t mean¡ª¡±

    In a larger room adjacent to the former, Cleave tilted his head back, his arms dangling limply at his sides and his mouth agape as he stared in awe at a mountain of monsters.

    Daisuke¡¯s lips stretched into an awkward smile as Cleave circled the towering mass with childish exuberance. I bet that excitement would immediately turn to panic if I had released the Orc, too.

    ¡°The larger monsters,¡± Cleave gushed, his eyes wide with wonder, ¡°most of them are Floor Guardians! You¡­¡± he turned to face Daisuke with disbelief. ¡°You didn¡¯t just escape from that dungeon, did you? You completely dominated it! Just who are you, exactly?!¡±

    ¡°You make it sound as if I cleared the entire dungeon all on my own,¡± responded Daisuke in a humble tone, hoping to keep a low profile.

    ¡°You can try to play it down as much as you¡¯d like,¡± said Cleave, shaking his head in awe, ¡°but this is impressive no matter how you look at it.¡±

    Daisuke flinched back nervously. He¡¯s not buying it at all, is he?

    ¡°This is going to be a lot of work, so I may need to call in some help,¡± Cleave informed with glee, more to the tower of corpses than to Daisuke. ¡°Come back tomorrow; I should have everything done by then.¡±

    ¡°Sure thing, thanks.¡±

    ***

    ¡°What happened?¡± exclaimed Thalia, her eyes widening as she took in the disheveled trio before her. They looked like they had been run over by a herd of wild minitaurs. ¡°Are you three alright?¡±

    ¡°We were chased by a group of goblins on our way back from a quest,¡± one of the girls whimpered tearfully.

    ¡°We barely managed to escape!¡± whined a young boy.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you receive the guild¡¯s summons over four weeks ago?¡± Thalia¡¯s tone turned grave. ¡°You three were required to be part of an important curriculum tailored to help you become better adventurers.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, but we lost our license. It happened when we fell down a waterfall while running away from a Lipanthyer,¡± muttered the second girl in embarrassment.

    Thalia sighed heavily, a combination of pity and annoyance. ¡°For now, why don¡¯t you three make your way to the clinic and get fixed up. I¡¯ll begin working on the paperwork for your replacement IDs and your enrollment into the guild academy. Report back to me as soon as you¡¯re able.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± the trio answered in unison, their voices tinged with regret as they hung their heads and shuffled away.

    Thalia rested her head on the counter with a grunt and blew upward at the wisps of hair on her forehead.

    ¡°¡­Looks like you¡¯re having a pretty rough day.¡±

    Thalia perked up like a puppy about to be fed, her eyes sparkling like lanterns. ¡°Haxks! You¡¯re back!¡± she beamed, even more so when she noticed that Elena was no longer by his side. ¡°I¡¯m so happy that you¡¯re okay. I take it everything went well?¡±

    A group of guys in the line advancing to the next counter grumbled at the heartwarming scene. ¡°She¡¯s never been that excited for us before,¡± they murmured indignantly.

    Thalia shot them an icy glare and growled threateningly. In response, the men immediately straightened up and pressed their lips into a thin line.

    Daisuke chuckled awkwardly at the sight. ¡°I see you¡¯re as popular as ever.¡±

    ¡°More importantly,¡± Thalia smiled warmly, her cheeks flushing slightly. ¡°You¡¯re back and in one piece¡ªthank you for not disappearing for another three weeks again.¡±

    Daisuke turned to the side, his hand absentmindedly tousling the back of his head. A flicker of recognition danced in his eyes as he caught sight of a familiar figure by the guild¡¯s main entrance, visible through the glass windows. Instantly, his expression hardened, the once playful curve of his lips now replaced by a stern twist.

    Without a word, he turned on his heel and marched away, his departure as swift and decisive as the storm brewing within him.

    Thalia had her gaze lowered in a coy manner, fidgeting with her fingers nervously as she mustered her courage. ¡°Um, Haxks,¡± she began softly, ¡°¡­after I finish work today, if you don¡¯t mind¡­ would you like to¡ª¡±

    ¡°Yes! Yes, whatever it is, yes!¡± an enthusiastic voice interrupted.

    It belonged to a stranger who eyed the young clerk with unsettling desire. Startled, Thalia lifted her gaze to find herself the object of his predatory stare. She recoiled in shock as he poked his head over the counter, invading her personal space.

    Thalia reacted with a cry, her hand darting forward like lightning to deliver a satisfying punch directly to the creep¡¯s face. The impact sent him stumbling backward, crashing to the floor in a heap of humiliation.

    As laughter filled the lobby, Thalia¡¯s worried gaze swept the room. Haxks, she thought anxiously, where did you go?

 CHAPTER 92: Unfinished Business & the Cusp of Revenge

    ¡°You!¡± Daisuke hissed in a dangerously low tone as he slowly encroached upon a familiar woman. ¡°You¡¯ve been following me ever since I got into town! You¡¯ve got some nerve! Do you have any idea what I went through because of you people?!¡±

    Quivering like a leaf, the woman cautiously backed away, her movements hesitant and fearful. Then she promptly prostrated herself before him as Daisuke stalked toward her imposingly, a murderous aura rolling off his body.

    Passersby slowed to a stop, drawn to the unfolding drama with gasps and whispered comments. But the woman who had pretended to be Reeza¡¯s mother didn¡¯t care, nor could Daisuke recognize anything outside of his absolute disdain for the deceitful medusa before him.

    In his rage, he palmed his face, his expression distorted, golden eyes peeking out from between his fingers. ¡°Choose your next words very carefully,¡± he warned.

    The woman¡¯s nervous gulp was audible, tiny beads of sweat glistening on her forehead. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry,¡± she pleaded, cautiously keeping her gaze down.

    ¡°Sorry?¡± Daisuke replied mockingly, the word dripping in venom. ¡°Do you honestly believe that words are enough to erase what you¡¯ve done?!¡±

    ¡°Please! I really need your help!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in outrage, then his scowl deepened, fingers curling into tight fists as he drew closer.

    ¡°M-My husband¡¯s being held prisoner,¡± she whispered urgently, her voice trembling with fear. ¡°I have no choice but to comply with their demands, or they¡¯ll kill him. I never meant to hurt you,¡± she cried, ¡°I never meant to hurt anyone. I¡¯m truly sorry. I don¡¯t know what to do anymore.¡±

    Daisuke stilled, his fingers slowly uncurling as the storm of emotions within him began to calm. Yet, the unyielding lines etched into his face remained unchanged.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t bat an eye when I was being beaten half to death, or when my friend was killed,¡± he said, his voice tinged with icy resentment. ¡°So tell me, why should I care about you?¡±

    As Daisuke¡¯s bitter words echoed in her mind, a memory resurfaced¡ªa conversation between two guards that she had fortuitously overheard:

    ¡°Have you heard? Reeza¡¯s been pushing the boundaries lately.¡±

    ¡°Too bad it¡¯s all going to come crashing down soon,¡± the other guard remarked nonchalantly.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    The man flicked his half-smoked cigar to the ground and crushed it beneath his boot, his demeanor indifferent. ¡°Besides getting dangerously close to her goal, her recent activities have been attracting a bit too much attention. If we want to keep the lord¡¯s support, we need to put a stop to it.¡±

    The young guard¡¯s eyes widened in alarm. ¡°And so?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s above our pay grade,¡± the other man replied sharply. ¡°We¡¯re not paid to think; just stick to your duties and guard the door. It¡¯s not our place to pry into matters beyond our station.¡±

    Finally, the woman hesitantly raised her head, meeting Daisuke¡¯s cold gaze with nervous determination. ¡°Something dreadful is unfolding in that place right now,¡± she admitted softly, her words a whisper meant only for his ears. ¡°I desperately need assistance to escape with my husband.¡±

    Daisuke frowned, the glint of the Evil Eye stirring within his pupils as he weighed the truth of her words.

    ¡°This is our best chance to act,¡± she uttered, her voice urgent. ¡°The longer we wait, the harder it will become to escape. Their operation will only grow more entrenched, and their numbers will swell. If you agree to help, I¡¯ll assist you in recovering the gold you lost. I¡¯ll lead you to the hideout and show you how to bypass the traps.¡±

    Daisuke averted his gaze; he had confirmed she was telling the truth, but the sight of her stoked an intense anger within him. ¡°No thanks,¡± he refused, striding away. ¡°I think I¡¯ve had enough of your kind of help.¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°No, wait!¡± the woman pleaded desperately, her trembling fingers clutching his cloak. ¡°You¡¯ll never be able to find their hideout on your own. And, even if you do, you would have wasted too much time in the process. Like I said, this is a very time-sensitive matter.¡±

    A muscle worked in Daisuke¡¯s jaw as he weighed his options. Turning around, his gaze bore down on her with unwavering intensity. ¡°Fine,¡± he conceded abruptly, wrenching his cloak from her grasp. ¡°But if you even remotely think about double-crossing me¡­¡±

    The woman bowed her head, her demeanor a mix of apprehension and gratitude. ¡°Thank you!¡± she exclaimed, tears tipping her eyes.

    ***

    TANG-TANG-TANG!

    The din of construction echoed throughout Fleecia Forest as skilled builders worked tirelessly to expand a familiar village. Trees, undergrowth, and large boulders were cleared to make way for the village¡¯s growth, and an impressive wooden wall began to take shape, encircling the settlement.

    Similar to Elmridge Village, there were numerous other remote settlements inhabited exclusively by Beastfolk. To safeguard the secrecy of these locations, the inhabitants refrained from divulging their existence to other races. However, this secluded lifestyle brought its own set of challenges. When faced with large-scale projects that demanded manpower or specialized skills beyond their community¡¯s reach, a sense of frustration and helplessness crept in.

    To cater to this unique market, a pioneering solution emerged: the establishment of a business venture comprised solely of Beastfolk artisans¡ªthe Beastborn Guild. With a local branch contracted to oversee operations, the development of Elmridge was already well underway.

    Villagers eagerly followed the artisans¡¯ guidance, wholeheartedly contributing their labor to the endeavor. Even the youngest among them stepped forward, offering whatever assistance they could manage.

    Neigh~

    A horse-drawn wagon rolled into the village, winning the attention of the locals. Milo stepped out, greeted by friendly smiles and nods. He had courageously taken on the role of intermediary between the village and the humans of Wonderelle, handling business transactions and supply runs.

    Today he was returning from one such trip with vital provisions¡ªfood, equipment, and supplies. His cheeks flushed with satisfaction as Elena and Rexar commended him for his efforts.

    At the rear entrance of the village, beneath the comforting shade of a large tree, Feng and Sylvia observed April with heavy hearts as she wept beside the tombstone they had erected for Sheba.

    The girl¡¯s sorrow reverberated through Feng¡¯s own chest, and a muscle twitched in his jaw as he recalled the haunting words Sheba had muttered in her final moments. With a solemn vow to find the girl¡¯s siblings, Feng turned away to join Sylvia, leaving April to mourn in solitude.

    Just before entering the village, the duo froze in their tracks at the sound of rustling beneath nearby shrubs. Feng instinctively positioned himself protectively in front of Sylvia, his hand hovering near the hilt of his sword, his body clad in a jet-black attire. However, their apprehension dissolved as a familiar canine emerged from the foliage, his tail wagging in friendly greeting.

    ¡°Is that Zephyr?¡± Feng asked cautiously, scanning the area for any signs of danger. ¡°But where¡¯s Haxks?¡±

    Sylvia¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Do you think something happened to him?¡±

    With a cheerful bark, Zephyr approached and sat patiently before them.

    Feng furrowed his brow in thought. ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± he concluded, noting the pup¡¯s calm demeanor. ¡°Pretty sure Zephyr would be in berserk mode, if that were the case.¡±

    Sylvia scratched her cheek awkwardly. ¡°You¡¯re probably right about that.¡±

    Sylvia approached the tiny wolf and gave him a gentle pat on the head. ¡°Hey, Zephyr. What are you doing all the way back here? Where¡¯s Haxks?¡±

    The pup responded with an exuberant bark before running around in a circle and then sitting back down.

    Feng¡¯s keen ears caught the faint jingle of metal as Zephyr moved, and his eyes flickered down to the accessory adorning the pup¡¯s neck. ¡°Sylvia,¡± he called, nodding towards the curious item. ¡°Take a look at that.¡±

    Intrigued, the girl leaned in closer and noticed the necklace. She reached out to touch it, feeling the weight of the pendant in her hand. With a gentle tug, she opened the locket and discovered a folded piece of parchment nestled inside.

    ¡°What is it?¡± asked Feng curiously.

    ¡°It¡­ looks like a note,¡± she responded, delicate fingers carefully unfolding it.

    Feng homed in close and they both began to read. While they were thankful the simplicity of the message took into account the fact that their literary skills had a lot to be desired, they were still flabbergasted by the information contained within:

    ¡ªHarmless demihuman goblins and their human mothers. Please look after them until I figure something out.

    Haxks

    ¡°Goblins? Human women? You¡¯ve got to be kidding me!¡± Feng exclaimed, his frustration evident. ¡°It¡¯s only been a few days, and he¡¯s already getting mixed up in everyone¡¯s business.¡±

    Sylvia chuckled, finding Feng¡¯s reaction amusing. ¡°So, what do you want to do? Now that you¡¯re our village chief, it¡¯s your decision to make.¡±

    Feng ran a hand through his hair with a groan. ¡°First, let¡¯s get Zephyr out of sight. It would be painful if April had to say her goodbyes a second time.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Sylvia agreed with a nod.

    ¡°Zephyr,¡± Feng called, standing up and scanning the area. ¡°Can you lead us back to them, the ones Haxks wants us to protect?¡±

    ¡°Kyuu~¡±

    As the canine disposed himself to the request, he pondered whether Daisuke was keeping himself out of trouble as promised.

 CHAPTER 93: Target Acquired â€“ The Demon Unleashed

    Daisuke¡¯s gaze narrowed to dangerous slits as the woman who had introduced herself as Petula came to a halt in front of a bland-looking antique shop.

    ¡°This way,¡± she said meekly, pushing open the weathered door.

    Daisuke cast a wary glance at the imposing construction site next door before following his suspicious guide into the unimpressive store. Inside, a man garbed in oriental attire was reclined lazily on his side, his head cradled in his hand. He wore a lethargic expression, and the poorly arranged items surrounding him somehow exuded the same type of aura.

    ¡°What can I getcha?¡± he said by means of greeting.

    ¡°¡­A world of wonders,¡± Petula replied cryptically, her words sounding almost scripted.

    Evidently satisfied with the response, the man¡¯s attention shifted to Daisuke, almost mechanically. ¡°And you? What can I get you?¡±

    ¡°¡­He¡¯s with me,¡± said Petula, her attempt at sounding stern falling flat.

    ¡°And his name?¡±

    ¡°¡­Haxks,¡± Petula stated firmly.

    ¡°Never heard of it,¡± the man scoffed, then turned his icy gaze toward Daisuke. ¡°If you¡¯re not buying, then do yourself a favor and scram.¡±

    A muscle twitched in Daisuke¡¯s jaw, butterscotch eyes igniting.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Petula remarked, her grip firm as she steered him towards the exit. ¡°Then you can relay to Mr. Casimir that the messenger bearing time-sensitive information from the capital was denied entry.¡±

    At those words, the man¡¯s stoic visage visibly thawed. Though he remained skeptical about the truthfulness of the girl¡¯s claim, he had no intention of gambling with his life.

    ¡°Wait!¡± he called out urgently as he stood to his feet, his body language expressing uncertainty. ¡°I¡¯ll let you in. Please, follow me.¡±

    Daisuke and Petula trailed behind the man as he led them through a back door into the dimly lit storage room of the store. With practiced ease, he placed his hand on a section of the wall, summoning a magic circle that shimmered beneath his touch.

    A low rumble reverberated through the room, followed by a trapdoor giving way to reveal a dark staircase leading downward.

    ¡°Sorry to keep you waiting,¡± the man apologized, even as a malicious glint flickered in his eyes. Should their story prove false, he was certain that they would inevitably be captured, imprisoned, or killed in due course. ¡°Please,¡± he gestured courteously, ¡°make your way inside, but tread carefully.¡±

    Petula and Daisuke paid little heed to the man¡¯s sudden change in attitude. With Petula confidently leading the way, they descended the winding staircase while Daisuke activated the Eye of Verity, ever vigilant as they ventured deeper.

    A dark smile spread across the store owner¡¯s face as he watched them vanish into the depths below.

    As the trapdoor grinded to a close behind them, cutting off the feeble light from above, Daisuke¡¯s senses heightened, alert for any potential threats. The atmosphere felt reminiscent of a dungeon, with mana crystal lamps sparsely illuminating the stone-carved stairway in place of torches, casting shifting shadows that danced along the walls as they descended further into the unknown.

    ¡°¡­A world of wonders,¡± Daisuke projected his voice so that Petula could hear. ¡°Was that some kind of secret code or something?¡±

    ¡°T-That¡¯s right,¡± she confirmed, her heart beating a frantic tattoo as they neared the bottom of the stairway. ¡°Each person is assigned a unique password to gain entry into the¡ª¡±

    Her words were abruptly silenced as Daisuke¡¯s firm grip on her shoulder whirled her around to face him. A sense of urgency flickered in his eyes, causing a tremor of alarm to course through her as she registered his cautious demeanor, his index finger pressed against his lips in a wordless command for silence.

    Petula nodded, her lips pursed in understanding. Mimicking Daisuke¡¯s stealthy movements, she followed his lead down the remaining steps, tiptoeing quietly until they reached the bottom. Taking cover behind a nearby wall, she held her breath as Daisuke scanned the cavern ahead, his eyes narrowing as he detected the mana signatures of several individuals.

    ¡°There¡¯s no point in hiding,¡± called out one of the men, a hint of amusement lacing his words. ¡°Your stealth is impressive, I must admit. If it weren¡¯t for that woman, I might not have detected your presence at all. But unfortunately for you, she completely blew your cover.¡±

    Petula¡¯s heart sank like a stone, her breath catching in her throat as she turned to Daisuke. The telltale signs of fear etched across his face mirrored the panic gripping her own body.

    Or so she thought.

    Daisuke slowly rose to his feet, his eyes smoldering with a silent fury ignited by the sound of a familiar voice. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, he abandoned their hiding spot and strode purposefully into the chamber, driven by a burning need to confirm his suspicions.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Standing at the helm of at least a dozen men ominously clad in black attire was an individual Daisuke couldn¡¯t quite forget¡ªa man whose memory haunted him like a specter. As he locked eyes with the sinister figure, a flood of memories rushed back, each one carrying its own weight.

    He remembered the man¡¯s swift movements, his ability to catch the falling mana crystal before it had shattered on the ground. He remembered the cruel smirk on his face as he aided his comrades to beat him within an inch of his life. And most vividly, he remembered the satisfaction in the man¡¯s eyes when Zephyr was killed.

    ¡°Wait,¡± the man remarked, cupping his chin as he sifted through his own memories. ¡°Aren¡¯t you¡­ that kid we taught a lesson a while back? Hah. So you¡¯re still alive,¡± he uttered with indifference. ¡°If you had half a brain, you would¡¯ve skipped town, but instead you¡ª¡±

    Daisuke tilted his head back, an unexpected laugh bubbling up from his throat that caught everyone off guard. ¡°To think I¡¯d run into one of you this soon,¡± he mused darkly while palming his face, a malicious grin stretching his lips. ¡°It must be my lucky day.¡±

    The man frowned, a muscle working in his jaw as a cold and malevolent energy rolled off the intruder¡¯s body. It was almost unsettling. ¡°¡­You¡¯ve changed.¡±

    ¡°Gee¡­ I wonder why.¡±

    Unamused, the man clicked his tongue in annoyance and raised his hand in a commanding gesture. In response, his loyal lapdogs took a confident step forward, their defensive stance clear as they brandished an array of weapons.

    ¡°You¡¯ve obviously lost your mind,¡± the man accused bitterly. ¡°If I knew this is how you were going to turn out, I would¡¯ve done you a favor and finished you off back then. This time, I won¡¯t make the same mistake.¡±

    Still palming his face, Daisuke regarded the bastard over the bridge of his nose, the brilliant gleam from his golden eyes peeking through his fingers like laser beams. ¡°Lost my mind?¡± he chuckled, the tones of his voice fluctuating as he arched his back forward, his arms falling limp at his sides. ¡°Do you honestly believe that¡¯s what this is?¡±

    The man narrowed his eyes, a gleam of defiance flickering within them. ¡°Then what else could it be? Please, enlighten me.¡±

    Daisuke ominously lifted his head with deliberate slowness, his eyes wide with a glint of madness, his grin veering into the realm of the unhinged. ¡°This is the exhilaration of someone who¡¯s finally about to exact his vengeance¡­ by sending his enemies to the deepest depths of hell.¡±

    PAJIK!

    A vein throbbed visibly on the man¡¯s forehead, his features contorting into a grotesque mask of rage. What stung him most was the brief flicker of fear he felt from the lunatic¡¯s ridiculous threat.

    Fully aware of what would unfold next, Petula darted from her hiding place and positioned herself protectively in front of Daisuke. Ever since that fateful day, she had been ceaselessly plagued and tormented by the guilt of what she had done to him.

    Sure, perhaps the weight of his loss had really driven him to madness, but it didn¡¯t justify the wretched fate that awaited him. He was still a living and breathing human being; he didn¡¯t deserve a dog¡¯s death.

    Petula pursed her lips. While she cherished her husband deeply, she couldn¡¯t bear the thought of committing another atrocity. The thought of her crimes weighed heavily on her conscience, threatening to sever the bond of their love.

    ¡°You need to escape right now,¡± she urged in a hushed tone, her eyes locked with the sneering assassins. ¡°When you reach the top of the stairs, knock on the door three times. Once you¡¯re outside, flee the town immediately and never look back.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t escape,¡± the man declared. ¡°Dispose of them both,¡± he ordered flatly before calmly taking his leave.

    Without a word, Daisuke callously shoved Petula aside. A sharp cry tore from her lips as her back met the unforgiving wall, leaving her crumpled on the ground. Dread gripped her as the assassins surged forth, poised for their assault.

    Leaning forward, Daisuke¡¯s body tensed, his eyes veiled by the shadow of his bangs. Anger churned through his veins, stirring memories of the past¡ªthe ominous crunch of the vial breaking beneath his feet, his mother¡¯s final words; the sting of betrayal by Brek and the others, the harrowing ordeal of slavery; the bitter loss of his mana crystals to Reeza, and the heart-wrenching death of Zephyr.

    Suddenly, his head snapped upward, golden eyes burning with madness and murderous intent.

    DING!

    [The active skill ?Dash? has been acquired.]

    [Dash]

    [Rank: Rare

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Unleashes a surge of mana to bolster speed and agility.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Increases Movement Speed by 30%.

    Mana Cost: 10 ? Minute

    Skill Cooldown: None]

    SFFT-SFFT-SFFT!

    A flurry of shuriken reached Daisuke before the assassins could close the distance that separated them. Reacting on pure instinct, he activated the newly acquired skill and propelled himself forward like a speeding arrow, skillfully weaving through the onslaught of projectiles with deadly purpose.

    SHING!

    He sidestepped the downward slash of the first bastard, wrenching the short sword from his grasp before plunging it into his chest. Swiftly retrieving the bloody blade, Daisuke clashed with several others, cleaving through them like tofu. His attacks were unceasing and merciless, his expression an uncivilized mask of pure veracity.

    An expertly timed tornado kick sent another bastard hurling into the side of the wall, breaking several bones upon impact. Daisuke could clearly feel it¡ªhis stat allocation was fluctuating between Strength and Speed of its own volition, seamlessly optimizing each of his attacks.

    But the liquid fire coursing through his veins left no room for contemplation; all that mattered was the relentless dance of carnage and destruction.

    STAB-STAB-STAB!

    The short sword plunged several times into an assassin¡¯s abdomen in a brutal fashion, then Daisuke used the corpse as a meat shield to protect himself against a hail of kunai.

    Chucking the bastard to the side without a shred of remorse, he hurled himself at the remaining assailants. Petula watched in horror¡ªjust weeks ago, she had seen him helplessly at the mercy of the four hooligans. Now, he had transformed into a formidable force to be reckoned with.

    The clash of steel cast an eerie glow around Daisuke¡¯s rigid expression. As Petula observed him effortlessly mowing through the men clad in black, the sword cleaving through them like a hot knife through butter, she couldn¡¯t help but recognize the true gravity of the threat he had posed to her earlier.

    THUD!

    When the last of the assassins fell lifelessly to the ground, a shiver ran down Petula¡¯s spine. She held her breath as Daisuke slowly approached, a part of her bracing for her own demise.

    But it never came.

    ¡°¡­A-Are you alright?¡± she asked meekly.

    ¡°You said you knew of a way to bypass the traps?¡± Daisuke asked, his head hung low, his eyes indecipherable.

    ¡°Y-Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±

 CHAPTER 94: The Neurolchemist

    Petula blanched when the one and only path she possessed any knowledge of was pronounced unsafe by Daisuke. Along with the main path the man had taken to retreat deeper into the labyrinth, it appeared that all the other routes were rigged with traps as well.

    Petula clutched her dress tightly with a frown of frustration. ¡°Impossible. Why here¡­ all of a sudden?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re probably being remotely controlled,¡± Daisuke informed in a monotone as the power of his eyes led him down a dark and narrow dead-end.

    Petula was evidently concerned, but she held her tongue. A gasp did manage to slip through her lips, however, when Daisuke didn¡¯t show any signs of slowing, seemingly unfazed by the solid wall before him. She reached out instinctively, her fingers brushing against his garment, but before she could react¡ª

    PHSSH~

    He vanished into the darkness, slipping through the wall like a ghost.

    ¡°What?¡± she exclaimed in disbelief.

    Like the mountain path leading into the Mhaledictus¡¯ hidden base, this passage was cleverly shrouded by a well-prepared magic circle. If not for the Eye of Verity, the route would¡¯ve virtually been impossible to find.

    Fearing that she might antagonize him, Petula didn¡¯t ask any questions; she simply followed close behind. The winding path eventually led to a dusty old chamber cluttered with storage crates, oversized scrolls, imposing metallic contraptions, and an array of other bizarre devices.

    Petula¡¯s gaze darted nervously around the chamber, her mind racing with the grim possibilities of what the devices might have been used for. Meanwhile, Daisuke navigated the chamber like an arrow, the Eye of Verity already locked onto the target of a worthy interrogation.

    The dimly lit passage twisted deep into the earth, leading to a subterranean laboratory concealed from the world above. The soft glow of crystals and flickering torchlight cast long, wavering shadows along the stone walls, lending an ancient and eerie atmosphere to the chamber.

    Shelves stretched across the walls, crammed with vats holding grotesque monster specimens, their bodies suspended in murky, green-tinged liquids. Wooden tables were strewn with ancient grimoires, scrolls, and yellowed parchments, their faded ink whispering secrets long forgotten.

    At the center of the room stood a raised platform, carved with intricate runes and symbols. Within the etchings of a large magic circle inscribed on the platform lay a diminutive woman, her form still and pale against the dark stone.

    A grayed old man hovered nearby, jotting down notes onto a piece of parchment. ¡°Are you the new assistant?¡± he asked by means of greeting, glancing from the silver-haired boy to Petula whom he seemed to be acquainted with.

    ¡°What happened to your previous assistant?¡± Daisuke interjected, smoothing out his temperament and his once hardened expression.

    Petula glanced at him in surprise.

    The man sighed heavily, shaking his head as he gestured toward a blackened stain on the wall in the shape of a man. ¡°Ah, poor Waldo,¡± he lamented. ¡°He had a bad habit of touching or putting random things into his mouth. Poor kid. I hope he¡¯s in a better place now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s horrible!¡± Petula recoiled in horror.

    Daisuke regarded the burn marks with indifference before returning his gaze to the man who was obviously some kind of scientist. ¡°I¡¯ve heard remarkable things about your research,¡± he praised enthusiastically, assuming another persona similar to Julian Nathaniel Langley. ¡°Could you bring me up to speed on your current project so that I can better assist you?¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    The man tilted his head back with a warm blush, breathing in the compliment like a cool summer breeze. ¡°My name is Tennyson McKenzie, and I¡¯m a neurolchemist.¡±

    The scholar¡¯s tale unfolded like a dark saga, chronicling his abduction from a remote magic tower over a year ago. He was forcibly taken to this underground base, where he was compelled to conduct cruel experiments on innocent victims under threat of violence.

    Neurolchemy was the study of alchemy, ancient runes, and their combined effects on the mind. At the magic tower, he was researching the anatomy of dungeon-related monsters and how their mana core interacted with them on a physiological level.

    ¡°And how exactly is that research being applied here?¡± Daisuke asked. ¡°What do these people hope to achieve?¡±

    Petula watched with anticipation, awaiting a response.

    Tennyson stepped closer to the motionless woman on the pedestal, the chain connected to his ankle rattling softly with each step. ¡°Their objective¡­ is to achieve total dominance over an individual¡¯s mind through mental conditioning.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyebrows knitted together in confusion. ¡°¡­Mental conditioning?¡±

    Tennyson nodded solemnly. ¡°To be precise,¡± he explained, his words measured, ¡°¡­they seek to exert full control over a woman¡¯s sexual behavior.¡±

    Daisuke and Petula stood in stunned silence.

    ¡°Instead of relying on psychological methods that necessitate external stimuli and the conscious cooperation of the subject, I took a different route,¡± Tennyson explained. ¡°I devised an alchemical transmutation circle and augmented the formula with alphabets from the ancient rune language to create a unique magic circle.

    When activated, this circle generates and transmits a series of synthetic electrical and chemical signals to the brain. Initially, these artificial signals interact with the cerebral cortex before targeting the hypothalamus, which governs the induction and regulation of sexual desire.¡±

    Daisuke took a moment to carefully douse the flames of rage that had rekindled in his chest. ¡°And her,¡± he gestured towards the pink-haired woman on the pedestal. ¡°Was she one of your experiments?¡±

    Tennyson nodded gravely, his eyes clouded with regret as he observed the woman. ¡°Indeed,¡± he confirmed with a heavy sigh. ¡°She underwent the procedure, but unfortunately, she arrived in a weakened state. It appeared as though she had been strangled prior to her arrival. The strain of the experiment proved too much, and she succumbed to exhaustion shortly thereafter.¡±

    Petula cupped her mouth as tears pooled in her eyes, her heart heavy with sorrow and anger.

    Daisuke¡¯s fists clenched at his sides, his own anger an almost physical force among them. ¡°Why the hell would anyone do this?¡± he seethed. ¡°Who¡¯s the mastermind behind this twisted operation?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s just beyond that door,¡± Tennyson gestured toward the opposite side of the chamber. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go and ask him yourself?¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s calm fa?ade crumbled, a murderous aura enveloping his body as his golden eyes veered in the direction of his next target.

    ¡°How much progress have you made so far?¡± Daisuke asked in a monotone, his gaze still fixed on the other side of the room. ¡°Is the objective of this research genuinely achievable?¡±

    The old sage bowed his head, a shadow of remorse crossing his face. ¡°Too much. And yes, given enough time, I believe we could indeed influence an individual¡¯s autonomy as previously described. But that¡¯s merely the tip of the iceberg.¡±

    Petula¡¯s eyes quivered with dread. ¡°W-What do you mean?¡±

    Tennyson held her gaze. ¡°Human beings are inherently driven by three fundamental needs: sustenance, rest, and reproduction. The urge to procreate is deeply rooted in our essence as a species, serving as a mechanism for ensuring our continued survival.

    If this research bears fruit, we might unwittingly open Pandora¡¯s Box. By gaining control over such a primal desire, we could potentially stumble upon the key to exert complete dominance over an individual¡¯s psyche.¡±

    Petula¡¯s disbelief morphed into horror. ¡°In other words¡­¡±

    Daisuke finally turned the full brunt of his golden eyes onto the man, their intensity akin to a smithy¡¯s forge. ¡°In order words, people would be turned into mindless puppets.¡±

    Petula stumbled back weakly, the color draining from her face.

    ¡°And what¡¯s your take on this?¡± Daisuke asked the pensive scholar. ¡°If you were given the chance to leave this place and return to the magic tower as a free man, would you take this research with you?¡±

    Tennyson held Daisuke¡¯s unwavering gaze and found himself unable to look away, trapped by their mysterious gravity. He was somehow being analyzed and observed on a spiritual level; he could feel it. He also knew he would be cut down if his reply held any falsehood.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always stood against oppression and dictatorship, as I believe they stifle human creativity and imagination,¡± he declared candidly. ¡°And this research embodies precisely that¡ªcontrol.

    What our world truly needs is knowledge and innovation, which is why I was studying the anomalies within dungeons before being brought to this horrid place. So, to answer your question, no, I have no desire of perpetuating this research if I manage to escape.¡±

    Petula heaved a bittersweet smile.

    Tennyson finally breathed when Daisuke turned away, and then he said meekly. ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re not here to become my assistant, are you?¡±

    SHINGG!

    Daisuke severed his chain before walking away.

 CHAPTER 95: The Sex-crazed Narcissist

    ¡°Ah! Goshujin-sama! Goshujin-sama! Kimochi ii!¡±

    The enticing melody of a woman¡¯s passionate cries drifted from behind the wooden door of a chamber. Petula¡¯s cheeks flushed crimson as she listened, her gaze fixed on the ground in embarrassment.

    In contrast, Daisuke¡¯s mind was consumed by the image of the lifeless woman lying on the pedestal. As he considered the fact that it could have been April, Mia, or his own mother, anger stirred with him like a storm.

    BOOOM!

    With little restraint, he kicked the door in, sending it flying violently across the room. Inside, sprawled on a sofa and wearing a lewd expression, was a hefty young man with small facial features and a large head.

    In a panic, he snapped his head to the side, ripping his attention away from the holographic screen displaying adult content, to the source of the disturbance. When he spied the vile contortions of Daisuke¡¯s face, he released his unimpressive noodle and pushed to his feet with a squeal, lifting his greasy hands in surrender.

    ¡°Kyaaa~¡± Petula turned away from the shameful sight with a cry.

    In the same beat, Daisuke flung a kunai he had salvaged from the earlier skirmish. It zipped between the bastard¡¯s legs, narrowly missing his dangling genitals. Startled, he let out another frightened squeal, his wiener shriveling up like a crumpled piece of paper.

    ¡°B-Bro, what the hell?! Wh-Who the hell are you people?¡± He stammered ungracefully, his body slick with sweat.

    ¡°First,¡± Daisuke began sternly, even as the Eye of Verity scanned the pervert¡¯s stats. ¡°Why don¡¯t you re-equip the lower half of your garment.¡±

    ¡°R-Right,¡± he mumbled, quickly accessing his equipment menu.

    Petula slowly lowered her hands from her eyes, though a lingering flush still colored her cheeks.

    The young man cleared his throat, his confidence returning now that he was fully garbed. ¡°Um, yeah, sorry about the whole, you know, undignified scene earlier,¡± he muttered, casting a quick glance at Petula to gauge if she was impressed by the glorious sight of his magnificent pole. Then he turned to Daisuke again with a frown. ¡°But seriously,¡± his tone suddenly changed, now rough and irritated. ¡°Why¡¯d you have to break my door? And who are you guys anyway?¡±

    Internally, the hentai-fapping-horndog was sweating bullets; he wasn¡¯t at all as confident as he made himself seem. His chibi persona paced back and forth in a panic, hoping he didn¡¯t get flattened like a pancake for his assertiveness that was in fact bravado.

    Truth be told, he was a mage¡ªa class known for their powerful offensive magic. But the fact that the silver-haired boy just used a kunai likely meant his build was of the assassin class, so despite all the firepower a mage possessed, it was pointless if none of those attacks could find their mark. And, even before that, his throat would likely be cut open before he could weave together the incantation for a spell.

    Instead of fighting, he would opt to resolve this conflict with diplomacy. But he had to display some level of assertiveness to ensure he wasn¡¯t taken likely¡ªhence his stern tone earlier.

    ¡°Y-You¡¯re a player, aren¡¯t you?¡± he ventured, picking up on the gaming jargon Daisuke had used earlier¡ª¡¯reequip¡¯ instead of ¡®get dressed¡¯. ¡°I¡¯m surprised to see a fellow Fallen in a place like this. Name¡¯s Ben¡­ Ben Dova,¡± he chuckled, clearly amused by his own play on words. ¡°Get it? Bendova?!¡±

    DING!

    [Player | Bendova | Lvl 72 | Mage]

    ¡°I was told you¡¯re the one I needed to talk to about the experiments being conducted here,¡± Daisuke stated matter-of-factly, his expression indecipherable.

    Ben¡¯s eyes went wide, as if he had finally solved a difficult question he had been struggling with all this time. ¡°Ah, so that explains how you can be here right now,¡± he grinned with a nudging gesture. ¡°You must be interested in investing in our little operation, too, huh?¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s gaze narrowed. ¡°Then you¡¯re the one calling the shots?¡±

    Ben shrugged nonchalantly, a grin playing on his lips as he adjusted his hair with a casual flick. ¡°Nah, not exactly,¡± he replied in a laid-back tone. ¡°I pitched the idea for the experiments and chipped in with most of the cash, but the Mhaledictus are the ones running the show. They¡¯ll be raking in most of the profits when all¡¯s said and done.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s anger finally boiled over, his golden eyes blazing with intensity as the name of the organization rang in his ears. ¡°So you¡¯ve thrown in your lot with that filth,¡± he spat out, each word dripping with venom.

    Ben recoiled, a cold shiver running down his spine. Why¡¯s he so angry? Did he fail a quest or something?

    Before he could conjure up another possible theory, his vision suddenly dimmed, engulfed by the shadow of Daisuke¡¯s approaching palm. Steel-like fingers enclosed around his face in a vice-like grip. He let out a pained cry as the silver-haired assailant zipped across the chamber with him, slamming the back of his head into the wall. The force left a deep crater, cracks spider-webbing outward like the gnarled branches of a petrified tree.

    Ben groaned weakly, warm blood trickling down the side of his head from the wound. W-What the hell? I lost¡­ one-third of my health from that single attack?

    Daisuke seized the flabby bastard by the neck and lifted him effortlessly off the ground, his rage lending him a strength beyond his usual. ¡°Spill everything you know,¡± he growled, his grip becoming tighter with each passing moment.

    Ben gasped for air, his face turning blue. He desperately tried to break free, but he couldn¡¯t escape Daisuke¡¯s monstrous grip. What¡¯s with this ridiculous strength? He thought incredulously. Isn¡¯t this guy supposed to be an assassin?

    ¡°Speak!¡± Daisuke hissed menacingly, his eyes burning.

    ¡°D-Don¡¯t be an idiot!¡± Ben wheezed, his voice strained. ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of quest you¡¯ve got, but it¡¯s seriously about to destroy your life. You¡¯re playing a game you can¡¯t win. The Mhaledictus isn¡¯t a group you want to mess with¡ªthey¡¯re ruthless. If you go after them, you¡¯ll be signing your own death warrant.¡±

    ¡°Now where have I heard that line before,¡± Daisuke said mockingly, his grip still tightening.Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°Dude, just hear me out,¡± Ben persisted pleadingly. ¡°You¡¯re an otaku, right? Most gamers are. Then have you never considered it?¡± He took a breath. ¡°There are hundreds of different species of girls in the game¡­ just ripe for the picking. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve never¡­ fantasized about spending a hot night with even half of them?¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s jaw clenched, his gaze sharpening like a honed blade as his fingers kept tightening around the despicable bastard. Despite his gasps for air, Ben continued to babble, insistent on forcing Daisuke to comply.

    He explained that when a player reached maximum affinity with an NPC, the intimacy gauge became available. The opportunity to engage in sexual relations with NPCs hinged entirely on the level of intimacy achieved. If these two attributes were the only requirements to do the steamy deed, then it wouldn¡¯t have been so bad.

    But in addition to the intimacy level, there was an additional hurdle: players must first attain noble status, which, of course, was no easy feat. Zenith justified this demanding requirement as a means to distinguish dedicated players and reward their commitment to the game.

    Adding insult to injury, even after surmounting these challenging requirements, the sex feature is restricted to once per week. This limitation served as a deterrent, encouraging players to prioritize building relationships with real-world partners. Moreover, it preserves the game¡¯s core focus on exploration and personal development.

    Despite Zenith¡¯s well-intentioned motives, the sex-crazed Ben was visibly frustrated. Recognizing the impossibility of hacking the game from the outside to get what he wanted, he attempted an in-game approach. The solution he found was to reduce all female NPCs to submissive sex slaves, and neurolchemy was the method to achieve that goal.

    Daisuke¡¯s voice dropped to a dangerous undertone. ¡°And what about the NPCs¡¯ feelings? They don¡¯t get a say in whether they¡¯re exploited and violated just for your pleasure?¡±

    Ben regarded Daisuke as though he had lost his mind. ¡°Huh? Feelings? ¡­What the hell are you talking about, man?¡± Ben shot back, his voice strained. ¡°They¡¯re just NPCs! Their emotions are computer simulations; it¡¯s not real!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s lip curled in disdain at the bastard¡¯s response. However, there was one more question burning in his mind. ¡°Why NPCs? Wouldn¡¯t it be simpler to have a relationship with another player?¡±

    ¡°¡­It¡¯s¡­ not that simple,¡± Ben explained with a cough, his face growing pale. ¡°Being¡­ an otaku comes with its own set of challenges, you know? I¡¯ve got zero confidence and social skills to interact with real people. If it was¡­ even remotely possible for me to get a real girlfriend, then I wouldn¡¯t have spent the last few years grinding and saving gold to fund this research.¡±

    In recognition of their commitment to the game, rankers earned the privilege to form intimate bonds with other players of the same caliber. To complement this aspect and enhance player expression, the character creation screen provided options to align one¡¯s sex with their gender identity and to personalize appearance with piercings and tattoos. This feature, as you would imagine, sparked controversy in many social circles.

    Unfortunately, character personalization had its limitations: fundamental aspects like height, weight, eye color, hair color, and facial structure remained unchangeable. Of course, if an individual changed their gender, their bone structure would have to be altered by extension, but not enough that they would look like an entirely different person.

    Ben¡¯s voice trembled with urgency as he fought to stay conscious. ¡°So, I¡¯ll ask again,¡± he wheezed, his voice barely audible. ¡°Don¡¯t you want¡­ to enjoy the benefits of this research? Just think about¡­ all the vag¡­ and the millions of gold we¡¯d make before the developers manage to release a patch. You haven¡¯t¡­ gone to the Primal Glade yet, have you? If you had, you¡¯d see things from my perspective.¡±

    Daisuke regarded Ben with a blend of scorn and pity, recognizing the depravity behind his desire to turn female NPCs into submissive playthings. It was a testament to the twisted mindset of someone who was both sex-deprived and narcissistic.

    In moments like this, the game¡¯s ambition for absolute realism could be seen as a double-edged sword. In a typical MMORPG, the notion of using science to brainwash and manipulate NPCs would be absurd.

    As Daisuke mulled over this, memories of unlocking 50% intimacy with Vivienne without even a single percent in affinity flooded his mind. He briefly pondered the extent of his privileges being part NPC, but amidst the raging flames of his anger, all other thoughts faded into insignificance.

    ¡°I see¡­ what this is,¡± Ben persisted. ¡°Bro, if vag isn¡¯t your thing¡­ and you¡¯re more into guys, then it¡¯s a simple matter of¡ª¡±

    Without batting an eyelash, Daisuke summoned another kunai from his inventory and, without a hint of hesitation, mercilessly thrust it into the bastard¡¯s mouth, extinguishing the last flicker of his remaining health.

    Ben convulsed, choking on the blade as a mixture of disbelief and agony twisted his expression. In stark contrast, Daisuke stood stoically, lost in thought as a radiant column of golden light consumed the megalomaniac¡¯s vanishing form.

    Another trade-off to the game¡¯s hyperrealism and scope of freedom was that its content could oftentimes get incredibly dark. In the real world, nature was beautiful, but that was only on the surface; the animal kingdom was a brutal and savage place.

    And, as much as human beings were at the apex of the species, blessed with unrivaled intelligence and ingenuity, at their core, their behavior was even more callous than the laws of the jungle.

    Every single individual had to live with their own demons¡ªhate, greed, lust, selfishness¡ªthe only thing keeping these primal urges in check were societal criticism, the justice system, and the loyal souls who enforced it. But in Sehreneti, even though the same measures for law and order existed, there was still more leeway for the pursuit of one¡¯s dark and heinous desires considering the nature of this world.

    You would think the reality that people technically wore their real faces in the game would be enough of a deterrent to prevent them from falling into degeneracy, but, alas, it wasn¡¯t enough to suppress the fact that this world was, without a shadow of a doubt, a¡ª

    Daisuke couldn¡¯t bring himself to admit it. If the game wasn¡¯t real, then wasn¡¯t he inadvertently devaluing his own existence?

    DING!

    [The quest ?Liberation of the Florians? has been received.]

    [Liberation of the Florians]

    [Quest Difficulty: A

    The Florians, a small and peaceful race, face challenges far greater than their size would suggest. Enchanted by their diminutive form, Florian females have fallen victim to the clutches of an evil organization, condemned to ruthless exploitation as slave laborers and unwilling participants of prostitution.

    Yet, even graver atrocities await some among them, as they become unwilling subjects of cruel scientific experiments.

    Clear Conditions: Liberate the imprisoned Florians and vanquish those responsible for their plight before their nefarious ambitions come to fruition.

    Rewards:

    ?? EXP +115,000

    ?? Title: The Liberator of Slaves

    ?? Runetablet ¡Á2

    ?? Reinforcement Tablet x3

    ?? 280 Gold

    Quest Failure:

    ?? Completion of the brothel

    ?? Prolonged suffering of the captives

    ?? Tragic loss of Petula and her husband

    ?? Untimely demise of Reeza]

    Daisuke dismissed the holographic window with a simple mental command. My first A-rank quest, he thought as he slowly turned around. Interesting¡­ even the quest description didn¡¯t divulge much information about the Mhaledictus, which is pretty ominous.

    Petula stood like a frightened lamb in the distance, her head hung low. She pressed her lips into a tight line as Daisuke strode past her without a word. Her sole responsibility had been to guide him safely past the traps, yet even in this simple task, she had failed miserably.

    And yet¡­

    ¡°Why? Why are you keeping me alive?!¡± she shouted in a blend of dread and frustration. She kept her head down, fingers balled into fists, and her eyes remained tightly shut, replaying the brutal scene of the man¡¯s demise just moments ago.

    Daisuke halted.

    And Petula¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    There was a deafening moment of silence.

    ¡°¡­I¡¯ve seen firsthand how poverty, starvation, and especially torture can twist a person¡¯s mind and compel them to do things they wouldn¡¯t normally do,¡± Daisuke said in a soft tone, his words laced with empathy amidst his own inner conflict. ¡°While I was furious when I first saw you, I¡¯ve had time to reflect, and I realize that your actions were likely driven by circumstances beyond your control.¡±

    Petula raised her head at his thoughtful words, hot tears pooling in her eyes.

    ¡°The blame lies with those who willingly embrace such a malicious lifestyle without remorse. Like that bastard we saw earlier,¡± he spat scornfully before resuming his stride. ¡°Thanks for trying to protect me earlier. Let¡¯s go and free your husband.¡±

    Petula sank to her knees, her tears distorting the image of Daisuke as he moved farther away. His compassionate words enveloped her like a warm cocoon, thawing the icy grip of self-loathing around her heart. Unable to resist any longer, she surrendered to the overwhelming tide of sorrow and relief washing over her.

 CHAPTER 96: The Fated Confrontation

    Reeza shuffled wearily through a gloomy subterranean corridor, her steps echoing against the cold stone walls until she emerged into a chamber bathed in dim light.

    Her inner turmoil etched deep lines on her face, and shadows pooled beneath her tired eyes. Paying little heed to the imposing guards clad in heavy armor, she let her gaze wander to the rows of prison cells lining the wall behind them, yearning for even a fleeting glimpse of her mother.

    She had been diligently tallying every piece of gold coin she funneled to Casimir, keenly aware of nearing their agreed-upon quota. Over a year had passed, marked by a trail of blood, tears, and sacrifices¡ªher own mortality, her peace of mind, and even fragments of her soul¡ªall laid bare to reach this pivotal moment.

    With one final scam or a daring heist, she would¡¯ve secured enough funds to buy her mother¡¯s freedom. In what had become somewhat of a ritual, she regularly came by seeking solace in her mother¡¯s eyes, a silent affirmation before each job. Yet, as her gaze swept past the vigilant guards and through the unforgiving bars of the nearest cell, her mother¡¯s familiar visage couldn¡¯t be found amongst the others.

    Did they¡­ change her cell?

    Reeza¡¯s slender eyebrows crinkled. No. In the entire year she¡¯s been in captivity, her holding cell had never changed.

    Refusing to rely on mere conjecture when her mother¡¯s life was at stake, Reeza rashly attempted to slip past the guards, only to be swiftly subdued.

    ¡°You know the drill,¡± one of them spat.

    ¡°Restricted area, no entry,¡± the other declared, delivering a stinging blow to her cheek with the hilt of his spear.

    Reeza staggered back, fury coursing through her veins as she gritted her teeth. She sized up the two bastards before her and reluctantly admitted she couldn¡¯t best them alone.

    Pushing aside the throbbing ache in her cheek, she hurriedly darted around a corner, her mind racing to find another path into the chamber. But all she managed to find was more danger lurking in the shadows.

    With the precision of a well-oiled machine, a powerful hand shot out from the darkness, its fingers deftly closing around her neck.

    WHOOSHH!

    The assailant hoisted her into the air, then forcefully slammed her against the wall with enough force to knock the air from her lungs. Reeza¡¯s eyes widened in terror, her legs kicking futilely as she struggled against the iron grip constricting her throat.

    Saliva dribbled from the corners of her mouth, her face contorting into a sickly shade of purple as the pressure intensified. But her tiny fingers couldn¡¯t break the vice-like grip. Instead, the grip gradually tightened, threatening to snap her neck.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt her,¡± Petula¡¯s voice cracked with desperation as she threw herself at the avenger¡¯s feet.

    Daisuke¡¯s head snapped to the side, his eyes narrowing with a chilling intensity that made Petula shrink back in fear.

    ¡°¡­I-It¡¯s you,¡± Reeza wheezed, sacrificing precious air to speak.

    Daisuke found her eyes, his gaze burning with malicious intent. He didn¡¯t need to speak; they both knew what she had done¡ªand what he sought wasn¡¯t a simple apology, but her slow and agonizing demise. And as her neck continued to bend, that dark desire edged closer to fruition.

    ¡°It¡¯s her mother!¡± Petula¡¯s cry suddenly cut through the tension, her fingers tightening around Daisuke¡¯s cloak. ¡°She¡¯s being forced to do these things¡­ because they¡¯re holding her mother hostage!¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Daisuke¡¯s fingers stilled, the Eye of Verity confirming her claim.

    ¡°What would you do,¡± Petula sobbed softly, ¡°if your own mother was in a similar position¡­ and you were too powerless to fight back?¡±

    A muscle worked in Daisuke¡¯s jaw. It was already far too late for his own mother, but the memory of his futile pleas just before Zephyr¡¯s demise lingered like a bitter aftertaste. He had begged the thugs, offering anything to spare their lives, even promising future payment in a futile attempt to buy mercy.

    Daisuke brushed aside the haunting memory before he could remember Zephyr¡¯s anguished cry as he was ripped from existence. Before he could redirect his focus, Reeza¡¯s relentless assault began¡ªa barrage of kicks raining down on his chest, each blow driving him back further.

    ¡°If you¡¯re here for revenge, then just go ahead and do it!¡± she spat, her eyes ablaze with a storm of emotions¡ªanger, sorrow, and regret swirling within them. ¡°Otherwise, just go!¡±

    With a dismissive gesture, Daisuke callously flung her aside without a second thought, sending her crashing to the ground in a graceless heap.

    ¡°You should come with us,¡± Petula implored the girl, her smile fragile but hopeful as she gestured towards Daisuke. ¡°He¡¯s agreed to help me and my husband. With all of us working together, we¡¯ll have a much better chance of rescuing your mother. And about Casimir¡­ don¡¯t trust him; he won¡¯t honor his agreement with you, I¡¯m certain of it.¡±

    Reeza¡¯s gaze flickered between Petula and Daisuke, a flush of color returning to her cheeks along with a defiant gleam in her eyes. ¡°This is my problem,¡± she argued, her tone flippant as she absently rubbed her slender neck. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it myself. I don¡¯t need your help.¡±

    The Florian¡¯s brows knitted together in a scowl, but beneath her disdainful glare, a turbulent sea of regret churned. After the unspeakable deeds she had committed against Daisuke, she couldn¡¯t possibly bring herself to accept his aid; she felt unworthy of it. And what if he wasn¡¯t strong enough to save her mother?

    She couldn¡¯t help but recall the one-sided assault that had led to Zephyr¡¯s tragic demise. Was his anger and thirst for revenge clouding his judgment? Did he truly believe he had grown powerful enough to rival those thugs in such a brief span of time? The thought gnawed at her, a seed of doubt taking root. What if his attempts to rescue them only served to provoke further danger, potentially leading to her mother¡¯s death?

    Reeza slowly pushed to her feet and swept a hand to wipe away the blemish from her cheek. Casting a sidelong glance at Daisuke and then Petula, she spoke with a hint of warning in her tone. ¡°¡­If you don¡¯t want to end up dead, I suggest you both turn back now. You¡¯re both way in over your heads,¡± she cautioned before departing.

    Rage churned within Daisuke as he watched her depart, but beneath his seething anger, he couldn¡¯t ignore the parallels between the girl¡¯s plight and Petula¡¯s. If he harmed her in any way, it may soothe his anger now, but the deed would undoubtedly leave a bitter taste in his mouth afterwards.

    ***

    Daisuke didn¡¯t hesitate to unleash his pent-up anger and frustration on the two heavily armored sentries guarding the imprisoned slaves. Petula, who would normally freeze at the sight of violence, hurried past the incapacitated men and into the dreary chamber.

    The Florian women within the cells stirred like frightened sheep at her arrival, their faces drained of color. Petula¡¯s gaze swept urgently over them, absorbing their desperate pleas for aid and freedom. Despite their cries, she continued down the line of cells until she reached the last one, which housed a mix of human men and women.

    At her soft call, a man staggered forward, reaching through the metallic bars to tenderly encase her small hands within his own. For a fleeting moment, they shared a tranquil oasis amidst the turmoil, finding solace in each other¡¯s touch before the harsh grip of reality reclaimed them once more.

    ¡°Pet,¡± he breathed, his eyes wide with alarm. ¡°What¡¯re you doing here? How did you manage to get past the guards?¡±

    Petula offered a small smile, gesturing to the silver-haired boy who approached them. ¡°This is Haxks. He¡¯s agreed to help us escape.¡±

    The man¡¯s gaze swept over the small child who was a year shy of becoming a teen and found himself less than impressed. For a moment, he questioned whether the gravity of their situation had clouded his wife¡¯s judgment. ¡°Honey¡ª¡±

    The man¡¯s next word caught in his throat as the boy effortlessly materialized a menacing-looking dagger in his hand. Daisuke¡¯s eyes flicked to the metallic bars of the cell, contemplating whether the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang could breach the thick alloy.

    BOONGGGG!

    With a mighty swing, he brought the dagger down, leaving behind only a faint dent in the metal. A collective wince rippled through the chamber as everyone instinctively covered their ears, the harsh reverberations piercing the air and foretelling of ominous consequences.

    In anticipation of what lay ahead, the slaves instinctively ducked their heads and retreated deeper into their cells, seeking solace in each other¡¯s presence as they braced to weather the impending storm.

    ¡°Y-You! What have you done?¡± Petula¡¯s husband rebuked, his voice laced with panic. ¡°Honey,¡± he whispered urgently, his eyes wide with fear. ¡°You must flee right this moment,¡± he implored, then turned his accusing gaze towards Daisuke. ¡°You¡¯ve sealed our fate!¡±

 CHAPTER 97: Cold. Dark. Unrelenting â€“ Daisukeâ€™s Savage Assault

    Brushing off the man¡¯s frosty allegation, Daisuke stepped forward confidently, seizing the spotlight as the sound of approaching footsteps filled the air. ¡°Right on cue,¡± he muttered under his breath as a group of armed men came into view. Maybe one of these mobs will know where I can find the key to the jail cells.

    The group halted in an orderly fashion, and from their ranks came a familiar figure who evidently outranked and outclassed the rest. With a casual snap of his fingers, the crystal fixtures on the walls radiated a blue glow, illuminating the expansive chamber.

    ¡°You,¡± the man hissed, his brows pulling down into a nasty sneer. ¡°How are you still alive? What happened to my men?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be joining them in a moment,¡± Daisuke retorted, shifting his body into an offensive stance.

    The man clicked his tongue derisively and raised his fist in a telling gesture. ¡°The rest of you stay back,¡± he commanded. ¡°I have unfinished business with this brat.¡±

    Daisuke caught the moment the bastard unsheathed his dagger, then in an instant, he vanished from sight. When his body reappeared, he materialized directly in front of Daisuke, his weapon tracing a deadly downward arc.

    Daisuke countered with the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang, utterly missing the crucial moment for an Impeccable Parry. Alarm flared in his golden eyes as he grappled with the overwhelming force of the assault. Pouring his strength into weathering the shockwave of impact, he found himself caught off guard as the assassin swiftly dropped low and swept his foot.

    As Daisuke faltered, the man seamlessly transitioned into a spin, utilizing centrifugal force to deliver another devastating blow. Daisuke scrambled to intercept with his dagger, but without proper footing, the force of the assault sent him hurtling into the wall behind him.

    He groaned as he crashed to the ground, his eyes narrowing with disdain as he caught sight of the bastard¡¯s smug grin.

    DING!

    [Rohan | Lvl 42 | Assassin]

    I thought my generous supply of Stat Points would compensate for the level gap, but his gear and combat experience still gives him the upper hand. Daisuke slowly rose to his feet, swiping the back of his hand across his mouth in contemplation. I¡¯m pretty sure more guards are on their way; if I turn this into a contest of speed, I won¡¯t have enough stamina left to deal with them.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 31 | EXP: 75,460/150,156 (50.25%)

    Class: Dual Blader

    Affiliation: Adventurers¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter

    HP: 3821/3974 | MP: 529/529

    Strength: 81 (+21) | Stamina: 126 (+22) | Agility: 151 (+35) | Intelligence: 41 (+10) | Dexterity: 31 (+35) | Composure: 22 | Indomitable: 13

    Stat Points: 0]

    The Florians watched the lopsided battle with despair etched on their faces. Daisuke¡¯s sudden arrival had offered a tantalizing glimmer of hope, the closest they had ever been to salvation from their accursed existence. But just as they dared to believe again, their fragile expectations were cruelly shattered, dashed upon the jagged rocks of despair.

    ¡°¡­It¡¯s hopeless,¡± Petula¡¯s husband murmured, his tone heavy with resignation. ¡°Based on what I¡¯ve overheard, that¡¯s Rohan, the assassin¡ªone of Casimir¡¯s elite captains. Your friend¡­ he won¡¯t be able to win.¡±

    Petula shook her head with a smile, her fingers laced beneath her chin in a silent prayer. ¡°I¡¯m certain that goddess Seraphina has not forsaken us; she¡¯ll work a miracle through Haxks and see us finally freed from this place.¡±

    ¡°Heh. Is that seriously the best you can do?¡± Daisuke taunted, tilting his head to cast a disdainful glance at the lackeys lingering in the background. ¡°I¡¯ve already sent a bunch of your buddies to hell, and this is how your captain avenges them? What does that say about the value of your sorry lives?¡±

    The group¡¯s fleeting glance at Rohan seemed to ignite his fury. ¡°You insolent little worm,¡± he cursed through gritted teeth. ¡°I¡¯ve reached my limit with you; this farce has stretched on for too damn long.¡±

    Daisuke remained silent, his focus unwavering. He had already set the wheels of destruction in motion¡ªnow, all that was left was to wait patiently and reap the rewards. As Rohan charged forward like a bolt of lightning, consumed by unbridled malice, Daisuke relinquished his hatred as best he could and took a deep, calming breath.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, golden pupils darting around with mechanical precision, tracking the swift trail of light that Rohan left in his wake as he whipped around the chamber at lightning speed.

    With heightened senses and razor-sharp focus, Daisuke expanded his awareness, until finally, the blurred outline of the assassin came into sharp focus in his mind¡¯s eye.

    DING!

    [The proficiency of the active skill ?Eye of Verity? has advanced to level 2! The affiliated passive skill ?Sixth Sense? has been acquired!]

    DING!

    [The Perception Stat has been unlocked.]

    [Eye of Verity]

    [Rank: Unique

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 2

    Proficiency: 4%

    Your inherent distrust of people and desire for transparency have culminated in this power bestowed through Alchemy.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Endows the wielder with the ability to discern truth from falsehood, analyze target stats, and glimpse beyond the boundaries of reality.

    ?? Unlocks the ?Sixth Sense? skill.

    Stamina Cost: 0.7% ? Second

    Skill Cooldown: None]

    [Sixth Sense]

    [Grants you the ability to anticipate attacks originating from beyond your line of sight, especially those aimed at vulnerable areas. Additionally, you gain the ability to discern enemy weak points and successfully attacking them will increase Critical Rate and Critical Damage by 20%]

    [Perception]

    [Reflects one¡¯s awareness and sensitivity to sensory input, which influences reaction speed and the ability to detect subtle cues in the environment with precision.

    ?? Higher values increase effectiveness.

    ?? Stat Points cannot be manually allocated.]

    Without a word, Daisuke swapped out the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang for the Sturdy Club. His biceps bulged as his stats automatically poured into his Strength stat, his fingers coiling around the hilt of the crude weapon.

    ¡°Any last words, maggot?¡± Rohan¡¯s voice dripped with mockery, the sinister glint of his dagger casting a chilling reflection in Daisuke¡¯s eyes as he suddenly materialized.

    For a moment, there was an eerie silence, and then¡ª

    BOOOOOMM!

    Drawing on his newly acquired skills to bolster his accuracy, Daisuke swung the club in a wide arc, delivering a devastating blow to the gloating bastard with all his might.

    Caught off guard at full throttle, Rohan found himself unable to evade. The wooden club struck him like a stone golem¡¯s fist, expelling the air from his chest in a sharp gasp of agony. His arms twisted alarmingly as the weapon bore down upon him.

    CRACKK!

    They snapped under the weight, the sickening sound echoing off the walls of the chamber. Simultaneously, the Sturdy Club shattered upon impact, but not before triggering its CC ability. Rohan was promptly lifted off the ground as the knockback effect sent him hurtling through the air.

    Time finally righted itself, and he drew in a sharp breath, but before a pained cry could rip from his throat, Daisuke activated his Dash skill and closed the distance between them.

    SLAAP!

    He clutched the bastard¡¯s face midmotion, cramming a Frost Prism into his mouth. Rohan¡¯s eyes flickered erratically as he began to freeze from the inside out, a chill creeping through his veins. Then, without a shred of remorse or hesitation, spurred on by vengeance, Daisuke slammed his head into the floor, completely shattering the frozen body.

    CRASH!

    Fragments flew in every direction, leaving the onlookers in stunned silence. Petula¡¯s husband in particular was completely flabbergasted.

    DING!

    [Rohan has been defeated!]

    [Stygian Abyss has been acquired.]

    [Bloodstained Short Sword has been acquired.]

    [Broken dagger has been acquired.]

    [Kunai x7 has been acquired.]

    [Smokescreen Bomb x2 has been acquired.]

    [55 gold has been acquired.]

    Ignoring all the other items, Daisuke retrieved the Stygian Abyss.

    [Stygian Abyss]

    [Rank: Unique

    Type: Headgear | Light Armor

    Durability: 177/180 | Physical Defense: 19.5 | Magical Defense: 29 | Evasion Rate: +18

    A mask worn by a chilling specter believed to be the shadow of Charon¡ªthe lone ferryman tasked with guiding the fallen across the River of Styx. Legends speak of souls attempting to escape their fate and return to the mortal realm, only to be ensnared by the ferryman¡¯s shadow and cast into an abyss more harrowing than hell itself.

    ?? Beyond merely veiling the wearer¡¯s facial features, the mask hoarsens the voice, obscures one¡¯s spiritual signature, scent, and even the faintest hint of movement.

    ?? Reduces vulnerability to appraisal skills.

    ?? Unlocks the ?Intimidate? skill and amplifies its impact and effectiveness.

    ?? HP +5%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 30+ | Strength 25+ | Stamina 15+]

    Setting aside her own apprehension, Petula turned to the cowering Florians with a comforting smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everyone,¡± she reassured with genuine warmth. ¡°Haxks is here to help; we¡¯ll get you all out of here. Just hang in there a little while longer.¡±

    ¡°Haxks¡­ please, watch over my wife in my absence,¡± Petula¡¯s husband implored, his voice laced with repentance.

    Daisuke arched an eyebrow in confusion. ¡°Huh? Why would I need to do that when she¡¯ll be staying right here with you?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not,¡± Petula asserted defiantly. ¡°I won¡¯t rest until we find the keys and escape together.¡±

    The husband raised his shoulders in surrender with an awkward smile, clearly aware that an argument with the woman wasn¡¯t one anyone could possibly win.

    Daisuke briefly considered silencing her with a blow to the back of the neck, but hesitated. He was uncertain how the man would react to witnessing physical abuse inflicted upon his wife, even if it was for her own safety.

    With a nod of acknowledgment, Daisuke shifted his gaze from the anxious husband to the cowering lackeys. As if his malevolence had whispered directly to their souls, the men recoiled in terror, their cries echoing through the chamber like pigs facing the slaughter.

    In a frenzy of panic, they stumbled over one another in a desperate attempt to escape. But suddenly, Daisuke materialized before them without a sound, his head bowed low, his aura radiating a frigid darkness that chilled them to the bone.

    Without uttering a word, he affixed a half mask to his face depicting a demon from eastern folklore. Snugly fitted across his face, it concealed his nose and mouth. The design featured a large, wrinkled nose and imposing fangs that jutted upwards like tusks.

    When Daisuke lifted his head, his striking golden eyes gleamed with an ominous allure, a stark contrast against the backdrop of his silver hair and the matte black finish of the mask. Drawing closer, like a predator closing in on its prey, his shadow engulfed the petrified men, wrapping around them like the ghostly embrace of death.

 CHAPTER 98: Betrayal & the Heart-wrenching Truth

    As Reeza delved deeper into the subterranean base, a noticeable change in atmosphere unfolded. Mana crystals, like scattered stars, provided gentle illumination along the walls and ceiling. Simple furnishings began to appear in the corridors and chambers, adding a touch of homeliness to the previously barren space. And ventilation shafts, crafted using earth magic, circulated fresh air throughout the complex.

    Reeza panted as she sprinted ahead. Without so much as a sidelong glance, she hurried past the barracks, the kitchen, and the cafeteria that often doubled as a conference hall. Plush carpets, tapestries, and crystal chandeliers hinted at opulence as she neared the governing body of the evil syndicate.

    As she approached an oriental sliding door of an eastern-styled house nestled strategically within the cavern wall, any lingering traces of apprehension within her veins were swiftly consumed by rage. With each step, the threads that bounded her rationality were incinerated like tinder to a flame.

    Reeza¡¯s mind raced with questions. Where was her mother being held? What unspeakable acts had they subjected her to? And was Casimir, that treacherous bastard, truly planning to double-cross her after all she had sacrificed? Words failed to capture the chaotic whirlwind of emotions churning within her.

    Just as Reeza¡¯s fingers hovered near the wooden door, they froze. From within the dwelling, she could faintly discern the hushed murmurs of a highly confidential exchange between the aforementioned bastard and his loyal guard.

    Draped in a loose-fitting oriental robe, Casimir sat on a cushion with an angry scowl. He took a swig of sake before slamming the ceramic cup down on a floor table beside him.

    ¡°Ahhh,¡± he exhaled noisily, the alcohol doing little to alleviate his exasperation. ¡°Damn that arrogant bastard!¡± he cursed, hurling the cup into a corner where it shattered upon impact.

    A small Florian girl timidly scurried forward to attend to the mess. With a delicate touch, she carefully replaced his cup with another. Casimir growled. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the girl¡¯s actions were a subtle mockery of his outburst. For a fleeting moment, he entertained the idea of striking her down, but instead, his unpleasant gaze shifted to his stoic bodyguard.

    ¡°Dealing with nobles has always been a vexing affair,¡± he argued. ¡°But then again, what more can one expect from a breed of entitled, self-absorbed pigs who believes that the world solely exists to do their bidding.¡±

    ¡°Nevertheless,¡± Ranger, the typically reserved bodyguard, interjected, ¡°we must make every effort to maintain a cordial relationship with them.¡± His tone was firm, underscoring the importance of diplomacy.

    Casimir scoffed, his disdain evident as he reluctantly conceded to the unpleasant truth. ¡°Sadly, you¡¯re right. We¡¯re in desperate need of funding to see the brothel through to completion.¡±

    Discarding all semblance of etiquette, he seized the ceramic vessel from the attentive Florian and guzzled down the delicious beverage within. ¡°Kahhk,¡± he exhaled, savoring the taste. ¡°It¡¯s crucial that I wrap up this project as soon as possible,¡± he remarked with a grin, ¡°and demonstrate to the boss that I¡¯m deserving of becoming a franchisee.¡±

    A rare flicker of emotion danced across Ranger¡¯s face, a fleeting shadow of something ominous. ¡°Agreed. ¡°The sooner, the better¡­¡±

    Casimir¡¯s gaze turned lustful as he glanced towards the sheepish girl standing nearby, a noticeable bulge forming beneath his garb. ¡°Fortunately, we have the Florians as a rather effective bargaining chip,¡± he mused aloud. ¡°They¡¯re the perfect pawns for prying open the wallets of those pompous bastards.¡±

    CRASHHH!

    Reeza burst through the wooden door with the ferocity of a charging Bullgator, her eyes ablaze with murderous intent as they locked onto Casimir. The heavy bastard let out a pathetic squeal of terror, his member shrinking back like a mimosa plant as the enraged woman lunged at him with a dagger.

    ¡°YOUUU!¡± She hissed, her dagger catching the ambient light as she raised it overhead, her aura pulsating with malicious intent.

    Just as the blade threatened to plunge into Casimir¡¯s eye, Ranger effortlessly intervened, swiftly subduing Reeza in a disorienting flurry of movements that left her grounded and immobilized.

    ¡°Let me go!¡± she bellowed like a woman possessed, her teeth bared, her gaze contemptuous. ¡°You monster! I¡¯ll kill you! I¡¯ll kill you!¡±

    A furious snarl escaped Casimir¡¯s lips as he observed his ungraceful response. Dark lines etched across his forehead, his anger mounting to match Reeza¡¯s own intensity. In that moment, he begrudgingly admitted that the girl had succeeded in instilling a genuine sense of fear within him, and that fact made him livid.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    With a strenuous effort, Casimir pushed to his feet and approached the fuming girl still pinned beneath his capable servant. Without hesitation¡ªspurred on by his rage¡ªhe kicked out with a thick leg, nailing Reeza in the side of the ribs and utterly knocking the air from her lungs.

    ¡°How dare you!¡± he spat, delivering another kick, the merciless assault synchronized with his emphasized words. ¡°After everything I¡¯ve done,¡± he seethed, delivering another punishing blow, ¡°you have the audacity to bite the hand that feeds you?!¡±

    Coughing violently, Reeza struggled to draw in a lungful of air, the consecutive blows leaving her completely breathless. The once fierce intensity in her gaze faded, replaced by a glaze of agony that mirrored the excruciating pain coursing through her body.

    ¡°Fine!¡± Casimir spat out, his breath ragged as he pressed his bare foot against her face, clearly drained from the physical exertion. ¡°Since it¡¯s come to this, I¡¯ll confess the truth: right from the start, I never had any intention of setting you, your pitiful mother, or the slaves free.¡±

    Reeza¡¯s eyes flew open in shock, and Casimir let out a mocking laugh, his heel grinding into her jaw.

    ***

    ¡°Sir!¡± Gasped a lone guard, his breath ragged as he skidded to an ungraceful stop before two of his superiors¡ªone with dreary eyes, the other resembling an ogre. ¡°We¡¯ve made contact with the intruders,¡± he announced, ¡°but¡­ the advance team¡­ they¡¯re gone, sir. Completely wiped out.¡±

    The dreary-eyed man tilted his head to the side with a dark scowl. ¡°And yet¡­ you somehow managed to survive?¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± the lackey stammered, his face paling noticeably. Taking a nervous step backward, he glanced apprehensively at the ogre, who cast a glaring gaze as he tore into the leg quarter of some unfortunate monster.

    Sensing his impending doom, the lackey attempted to flee, similar to what he had done after witnessing his comrades being ruthlessly cut down by a golden-eyed demon. But, the moment he turned on his heels, a needle laced with poison swiftly found its mark at the base of his neck from behind.

    PHIPP!

    The man cried out in horror, desperately reaching for the silver projectile in a futile attempt to pry it free. But the instant his trembling fingers brushed the tool of his destruction¡ª

    THROB!

    The wound ignited with searing pain, purple veins bulging beneath his skin like grotesque rivers of agony. In mere moments, the potent neurotoxin launched its merciless assault on his nervous system. Intense pain surged through his body, compelling blood to ooze from every orifice¡ªeyes, nose, mouth, and ears alike. Writhing in unbearable torment, the man collapsed to the ground, his convulsions contorting his body as froth spilled from his mouth.

    ¡°Imbecile,¡± the dreary-eyed man spat, too irritated to savor the kill.

    ¡°¡­There¡¯s not much job security in this line of work, is there?¡± said Daisuke in a deep voice as he emerged from the darkness without a sound.

    DING!

    [Ziddian | Lvl 39 | Rogue]

    ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re that kid we thoroughly disciplined before,¡± said Ziddian with an amused curve of his lips. ¡°Leaving that fool alive just to tail him. Clever.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes glinted with malice, like a flame flickering in the wind. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you managed to recognize me behind this mask,¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°I¡¯m heartbroken! After that intimate encounter we shared before,¡± the man gestured theatrically, recalling Daisuke¡¯s despair and anguish and the magnificent mask it etched on his face. ¡°Did you honestly believe I wouldn¡¯t recognize you?¡±

    Daisuke sneered, a swift flick of his hand sending a kunai whistling through the air. The bastard tilted his head just in time. The projectile narrowly missed his eye but grazed a few strands of his hair.

    Ziddian¡¯s frown deepened as he straightened his neck, his posture stiffening as he squared his shoulders. ¡°Looks like you still haven¡¯t learned your place from our last encounter.¡±

    DING!

    [Brutus | Lvl 44 | Brute]

    Daisuke glanced at the ogre-like man, observing his reluctance to engage in the fight. ¡°I have a serious problem with corruption and authority. I¡¯m sure you can understand.¡±

    ¡°Cheeky bastard. What makes you believe this encounter will end any differently? Perhaps you¡¯ve lost your mind.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in a hurry,¡± Daisuke replied nonchalantly, his tone devoid of emotion. ¡°So let¡¯s skip the chit-chat and get straight to the killing.¡±

    The man¡¯s eye twitched in exasperation, though he maintained a fa?ade of amusement. ¡°You¡¯re not much of an artist, are you? If you¡¯re seeking vengeance, shouldn¡¯t you at least savor every moment?¡±

    Daisuke shrugged indifferently. ¡°You sickos are just pawns in this game,¡± he explained casually. ¡°Killing you won¡¯t make much of a difference. But your boss, the bastard pulling all the strings¡ªI¡¯ll take my time with him¡­ and enjoy every second of it.¡±

    Ziddian¡¯s earlier enthusiasm had now dissipated, replaced by a palpable tension as they locked eyes. In the eerie pause that ensued, Petula cautiously peeked around a corner, her breath caught in anticipation of the impending confrontation. With a startled shriek, she tumbled backward, landing on her rump as the tension between them exploded into action.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed.

    Ziddian¡¯s body tipped low.

    With a fluid motion, the dreary-eyed captain crossed his arms, eight shurikens tightly clenched between his fingers. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, he launched them forth, each projectile imbued with lethal intent. Daisuke reacted, an impeccable parry materializing a hexagon-shaped barrier that deflected all the shuriken.

    But the assault was just a distraction. In the split-second it took to intercept the barrage, Ziddian had cunningly maneuvered behind Daisuke in a burst of speed and launched a familiar needle.

    PHIPP!

    Despite his incredible speed, dexterity, and the newly acquired sixth sense, Daisuke found himself unable to evade or intercept the projectile. With a precise strike, it found its mark in his upper shoulder, sending a wave of pain rippling through his body.

 CHAPTER 99: Toxins & Fire â€“ The Trials of Revenge

    As the venomous neurotoxin seeped into his bloodstream, a chilling numbness spread from the point of impact, rendering his limbs immobile in its icy grip.

    ¡°Hahahaha!¡± Ziddian¡¯s laughter boomed as he slapped his hand against his face in sheer delight. ¡°After all that bravado you showed earlier, is this truly the best you have to offer? Pathetic!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s form remained still, his head lowered, his visage hidden beneath the veil of his bangs. With a confident stride, the man approached, a smirk playing on his lips as he unsheathed a short sword from his waist.

    Like countless others before, Daisuke had now fallen from favor, and Ziddian was known to dispose of his playthings once they no longer entertained him. ¡°Can you feel it?¡± he mused, a hint of sadistic pleasure in his voice. ¡°The flames raging through your veins? That¡¯s the poison ravaging your body, corroding your nerves, and annihilating your chakra pathways.¡±

    ¡°¡­Is that right?¡± murmured Daisuke.

    Ziddian¡¯s eyes widened in stunned disbelief.

    DING!

    [A toxic substance has been detected within your body. ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing has neutralized the threat and restored your health.]

    Before the rogue could move an inch, Daisuke swiftly retrieved the needle from his shoulder and stabbed it into the side of the bastard¡¯s neck. Swallowing down a curse, Ziddian retreated in a panic, frantically rummaging through his garments for a special antidote.

    Time was of the essence; Siren¡¯s Kiss was the deadliest poison he had ever brewed, so potent that he had yet to fully develop immunity to its effects. Devoting his entire focus to the antidote, Ziddian tilted his head back, ready to down the bright green liquid in one gulp. But before he could even make a move, the glass vial vanished from his fingertips in a blur of speed, leaving him empty-handed.

    The villain¡¯s forehead creased darkly, bloodshot eyes ablaze with fury as he turned his wrathful gaze towards the silver-haired nuisance. Meanwhile, Daisuke had already shattered the vial containing the antidote onto the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang, allowing the thick liquid to coat the lower end of the blade.

    Before Ziddian could unleash a torrent of rage, Daisuke seized the back of the bastard¡¯s neck in a vice-like grip and yanked him closer, driving the weapon into the left side of his chest.

    ¡°Guagh,¡± Ziddian choked, spitting up a mouthful of blood.

    With deliberate slowness, Daisuke pressed the blade a few inches deeper, drawing himself nearer to whisper into the man¡¯s ear. ¡°Let¡¯s play a game,¡± he muttered with a devilish smirk hidden behind his mask. ¡°Your beloved poison is busy liquefying your insides. On the lower half of this blade lies the serum that could save you.

    But here¡¯s the catch: I¡¯ll keep pushing this dagger in slowly. Your task is to resist the strength of my arm and control the pace at which the blade enters your body. Too slow, and the poison might finish you off. But if you¡¯re too hasty and careless, the blade could pierce your heart. And in the midst of that delicate balancing act, you¡¯ll have to endure excruciating pain.

    Good luck.¡±

    ¡°¡­Y-You sick bastard!¡± Ziddian spat furiously, his voice trembling even as crimson red blood began to ooze from every orifice.

    Daisuke snickered, his golden eyes wide and filled with a psychopathic glint. ¡°Funny you should mention that,¡± he mused. ¡°Weren¡¯t you just lecturing me about lacking creativity in my revenge? Don¡¯t be a hypocrite now¡ªor maybe you¡¯ve just never considered being on the receiving end of such a fate?¡±

    Ziddian menacingly bared his blood-coated teeth and hissed, ¡°YOU!¡±

    ¡°Maybe it would¡¯ve been in your best interest to invest in some protection for yourselves as well,¡± Daisuke mocked casually.

    At the sting of those acidic words, Ziddian¡¯s eyes rolled back and he crumpled to the ground. His body convulsed uncontrollably as he foamed at the mouth, experiencing the very fate he had mercilessly inflicted upon his subordinate.

    ¡°Well, there goes our little game,¡± Daisuke remarked with stoic calmness. ¡°Seems your poison truly lived up to its reputation. What a shame.¡±

    DING!

    [Ziddian has been defeated!]

    [Mana crystal has been acquired.]

    [Antidote x8 has been acquired.]

    [Shuriken x12 has been acquired.]

    [Smokescreen Bomb x4 has been acquired.]

    [Poison Bomb x3 has been acquired.]

    [105 gold has been acquired.]

    ¡°BASTARD!!¡±

    With a grating roar, Brutus overturned the table before him, sending food and wooden tableware crashing to the ground in a chaotic frenzy. With a deep grunt, the beast of a man approached the insect that had defeated his comrade using cheap tricks, his towering stature casting an eerie shadow.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    ¡°That¡¯s two down and two left to go,¡± Daisuke said unflinchingly, glaring at the ogre who had dared to hurt Zephyr.

    Brutus wasted no time in reaching for his massive two-handed axe, the weapon gleaming menacingly in the dim light of the chamber. With a powerful swing, he brought the axe down in a thunderous arc, aiming to cleave the feeble human in two. But Daisuke was quicker, dodging the attack with lightning-fast reflexes as the ground beneath them cracked and splintered into jagged lines.

    In a bid to gain the upper hand, Daisuke summoned golden chains that coiled around Brutus¡¯s massive form, attempting to immobilize the giant. Then he immediately went in for the tendons at the back of the ogre¡¯s legs, a technique that was fundamental in taking down loftier opponents.

    But Brutus wasn¡¯t your average muscle for brains. Anticipating the attack, he abandoned his weapon and leaped skyward, shattering the chains with a casual flex of his immense strength, as if they were woven from straw. The ground quaked when he landed, and time slowed to a crawl, rocks and debris suspended in the air, both warriors glaring at each other through the chaos.

    Another roar erupted from the ogre¡¯s jaws as he laced his fingers and brought his arm crashing down like a titan¡¯s hammer. Light on his feet, Daisuke managed to narrowly escape the earth-shattering impact. But he wasn¡¯t given a moment of reprieve.

    From the fractured ground, Brutus seized loose rocks and began hurling them with unrelenting fury. But like a shadow dancing through chaos, Daisuke evaded each projectile with fluid grace, closing in with the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang. Yet, despite an impressive flurry of lightning-fast slashes, the blade failed to penetrate deeply enough to incapacitate the hulking ogre.

    ¡°It¡¯s useless,¡± Brutus gloated with a crude grin. ¡°Your puny attacks won¡¯t be able to pierce my skin.¡±

    Without a word, Daisuke sharpened his focus, and with the Eye of Verity, was able to discern a thin layer of mana cloaking the man¡¯s body. It was likely a type of physical enhancement skill common among brawny combatants, and it became evident that Daisuke¡¯s basic weaponry and gear wouldn¡¯t be able to breach such a formidable defense.

    But wait, he pondered, even as the vicious giant attempted to ensnare him in an iron grip, why did he brother to evade if his ankles are invulnerable to physical attacks?

    To find his answer, Daisuke lunged once more for the tendons, his aura swirling with a potent cocktail of hatred and vengeance. But Brutus, once again anticipating the move, sucked in a deep breath, his belly swelling ominously. When he exhaled, a torrent of fire spilled forth from his mouth.

    Daisuke looked on in stunned silence, the lapping flames dyeing his body a brilliant orange and gold. Brutus was a warrior-type with the IQ of Rock Golem, so how was he able to wield this kind of magic?

    Brushing the thought aside, Daisuke darted to the left, the searing flames hot on his heels. As he circled around, the inferno trailed after him, enclosing both him and the giant in a crackling wall of fire. Brutus grinned, finally cornering his nimble prey. But Daisuke didn¡¯t falter; he couldn¡¯t, not in the face of such peril. His golden eyes blazed as he scrutinized the brute¡¯s stats.

    In addition to his unimpressive supply of mana that had almost bottomed out from the continuous use of his physical reinforcement skill, Brutus possessed only a basic fire-type spell named Spark. And if Daisuke had to guess, such a low-level spell didn¡¯t pack that much firepower, which left only one plausible explanation.

    Daisuke¡¯s frown deepened as the Eye of Verity shifted to another spectrum of vision. Similar to X-ray, he discerned shapes and outlines through various shades and intensities of blue. What caught his attention was a pouch made of sturdy monster hide concealed within Brutus¡¯s stomach, likely containing highly flammable oil.

    This oil would be expelled by contracting his stomach, thus applying pressure to the pouch. A tube then funneled the oil up into his mouth. Upon activating the Spark skill, he would ignite the oil spewed from his mouth, mimicking a high-tiered fire spell.

    It was an impressive piece of engineering to compensate for a lack of magical aptitude¡ªand a clever tactic that likely caught many of the man¡¯s adversaries off guard, but Daisuke had absolutely no intention of falling into that unfortunate category.

    As Brutus retrieved his double-headed axe and closed in with deadly purpose, Daisuke took a breath and braced himself for the inevitable clash. His body slowly leaned forward in battle readiness, his focus intensifying as his stats systematically pooled into his Agility and Strength.

    With calm determination, he allowed his power to surge and envelop him, unveiling the prowess of his newly acquired skill¡ªSixth Sense. When his golden eyes flashed open, he honed in on the ogre¡¯s weak spot, laying the groundwork for his next move.

    Swapping out the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang for the Crafted Bamboo Spear, he patiently waited for the opportune moment. Brutus had become noticeably more cautious as he approached, his defensive posture indicating a heightened awareness of danger.

    Suddenly, the window of opportunity appeared.

    With the memory of the man¡¯s brutal treatment of Zephyr fueling his resolve, Daisuke launched himself forward like a bolt from a ballista. Brutus halted, his biceps bulging as he swung his axe in a tight arc. His eyes widened in dread when his target accelerated even further, moving at a speed far beyond what his eyes could perceive.

    Before the axe could complete its crescent trajectory, Daisuke smoothly ducked beneath the blade with a grace that belied his speed. In a swift and precise motion, he drove the bamboo weapon deep into the bastard¡¯s stomach, completely catching him off guard.

    ¡°Y-You slimy bastard!¡± Brutus spat furiously.

    Daisuke¡¯s features contorted into a dark scowl. ¡°That physical reinforcement skill is definitely impressive, but you don¡¯t have enough mana to sustain it for long.¡±

    Driven by a maelstrom of rage, fear, and a myriad of other emotions, Brutus dropped his axe and reached in with his steely fingers, intent on ripping the insolent fly apart with his bare hands.

    Daisuke¡¯s glare dripped with disdain and mockery as he crammed a Flarial Seed into the hollow bamboo spear. The glowing orange stone followed the straight, fibrous path until it slipped into the pouch within the man¡¯s stomach and made contact with the oil.

    Brutus¡¯s eyes bulged with a sudden realization of his impending doom. Desperate and sensing his demise, his colossal arms lunged forward, attempting to restrain his adversary and drag him along into oblivion.

    Daisuke swiftly retreated, vaulting over the barricading wall of fire and defensively throwing his body over Petula. The ogre¡¯s bellow of resignation echoed through the chamber moments before a violent blast obliterated him, scattering every fiber of his being in all directions¡ªa fitting end for a ruthless villain.

    DING!

    [Brutus has been defeated!]

    [Mighty Axe has been acquired.]

    [Medium HP Recovery Potion x3 has been acquired.]

    [Reinforcement Tablet has been acquired.]

    [Mana crystal has been acquired.]

    [Steel Ingot x2 has been acquired.]

    [Silver Ingot x3 has been acquired.]

    [84 gold has been acquired.]

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± asked Daisuke as he helped Petula to her feet.

    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever get used to that,¡± she murmured slowly.

    Daisuke turned, casting her a sidelong glance. ¡°You mean the senseless violence?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the violence itself,¡± she clarified. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ the look on your face during those moments. A boy your age shouldn¡¯t have to carry such a burden.¡±

    Daisuke took a moment to absorb the warmth of her words before allowing them to slip away. ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving.¡±

 CHAPTER 100: Confessions â€“ The Harsh Truth

    Reeza¡¯s breaths came in ragged coughs, each one a battle against the pain coursing through her body. The fierce determination that once blazed in her eyes now flickered like a dying ember, subdued by the agony of her wounds.

    ¡°Fine!¡± Casimir spat, his garment hanging loosely off his shoulders as he pressed his broad foot against her face. ¡°Since it¡¯s come to this, I¡¯ll reveal the truth: right from the start, I never had any intention of setting you, your pitiful mother, or the slaves free.¡±

    Reeza¡¯s eyes shot open in shock, and Casimir licked his lips in amusement, relishing her devastated expression like an age-old wine. But this was just the beginning; he intended to consume every ounce of her despair until he was mindlessly drunk.

    ¡°It was quite admirable,¡± Casimir began, his tone dripping with condescension, ¡°the way you tirelessly amassed gold to free your mother, all while turning a blind eye to the suffering of countless others in need. But have you ever paused to ponder where your hard-earned gold was being funneled?¡± He grinned like a mischievous child, reveling in her mounting apprehension.

    ¡°¡­It was being used to finance covert operations,¡± he elaborated, a twisted grin spreading across his face, ¡°operations dedicated to the abduction and enslavement of more of your beloved people. Can you picture it? The sheer terror as their homes are pillaged and set ablaze; fathers, brothers, and sons being butchered in front of their families; children being torn from the arms of their wailing mothers.¡±

    Reeza¡¯s eyes quivered violently, betraying the integrity of her sanity.

    ¡°And the construction site next door?¡± Casimir added gleefully, ¡°It¡¯s a brothel to put all your people to work. Oh, and let¡¯s not forget about your darling mother. She¡¯s a petite and attractive woman, much like yourself. With such alluring looks, it would have been a shame to let her rot away in a prison cell. So, I¡¯ve been using her as a bargaining chip to attract investors,¡± he admitted with a laugh.

    ¡°YOU BASTARD!¡± Reeza squirmed in outrage, desperately attempting to free her arms painfully pinned behind her back.

    She yearned for an opportunity. Just a split second¡ªthat was all the time she needed to sink her teeth into him and tear him apart. But she couldn¡¯t move a muscle. Frustration bubbled up within her until it overflowed, and, finally, she began wailing, her sorrowful cries piercing the heart of the other Florian girl in the room.

    ¡°Yes! Yes! That¡¯s it!¡± Casimir shook in excitement, his cheeks flushed, his bulge returning. ¡°Seeing that face on a strong and rebellious woman like yourself! It¡­It¡¯s simply exquisite! All that waiting was well worth it!¡±

    Casimir knelt down, his hands replacing Ranger¡¯s with a predatory grace. His wet tongue hovered mere inches from Reeza¡¯s ear as he whispered, ¡°Once I¡¯ve had my fill of you,¡± his breath was hot against her skin, sending shivers down her spine, ¡°I¡¯ll present you to those noble pigs, so you can join your whore of a mother.¡±

    While the man prolonged her torment, a lone henchman appeared outside the dwelling and bowed respectfully. Ranger slowly approached him, a frown creasing his forehead as his subordinate replayed urgent news in a low whisper.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be stepping out for a moment,¡± Ranger informed Casimir calmly. ¡°There¡¯s a pressing matter I need to address.¡±

    Casimir ignored him, too caught up in his desires to care. Ranger clicked his tongue discreetly before taking his leave.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°If you willingly offer yourself to me,¡± Casimir whispered, his large nose nuzzling into Reeza¡¯s hair as he took a deep sniff, ¡°I might consider granting you a position as one of my personal attendants. All you have to do is obey. What do you say?¡±

    Reeza stopped squirming, presumably a signal of her surrender. Honestly, Casimir was a tad disappointed that she didn¡¯t put up more of a fight, but he cautiously released her tiny hands and turned her over onto her back.

    When he spied the defiant gleam in her teary eyes, his blood started churning again, and a wide grin stretched his thick lips. Casimir couldn¡¯t resist the urge as he gently cupped her flushed and tear-stained face, his large thumb tracing the small curve of her unpainted lips.

    Then Reeza bared her teeth.

    CHOMP!

    With a sharp intake of breath, she closed her small mouth around that filthy finger with all her might. Casimir let out a shrill cry, his face contorting in agony before morphing into a mask of rage.

    With a firm grip on the side of her face, he lifted her off the ground and viciously slammed her onto the small table, sending splintered wood flying in all directions.

    Reeza gasped as pain shot through her body like fireworks, forcing her teeth to release their grip. Before she could catch her breath, Casimir charged in like a mindless Minotaur and a brutal kick to the stomach sent her hurtling across the room.

    The terrified attendant cowered in fear as Casimir ripped off his garment and strode menacingly towards Reeza, his throbbing member concealed by an overhanging belly.

    With a dominating presence, he positioned himself on top her, reminiscent of an orc straddling a helpless Horned Rabbit. With rough hands, he hungrily tore away her attire, exposing a length of cloth tightly wound around her modest chest, and a small pair of panties hid her femininity from his voracious gaze.

    Reeza cried out in horror, writhing desperately beneath the horny swine.

    ¡°I¡¯ll show you the fate that awaits slaves who dare to defy me,¡± Casimir declared with a perverse grin, clenching his stubby fingers into tight fists.

    PSSHH!

    ***

    PINGG!

    A golden coin spun multiple times in the air, catching the faint glow of the mana crystals before landing in the palm of a hooded figure garbed in black. A smile spread across his lips as he examined the intricate inscriptions on the shiny metal.

    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± he murmured as two unfamiliar faces entered the chamber. ¡°I was getting sick of waiting.¡±

    DING!

    [Vesper | Lvl 37 | Assassin]

    Daisuke¡¯s features tightened, his brow furrowing as memories of the man flashed through his mind¡ªthe merciless beating and verbal abuse, and the humiliation of being spat on and robbed of his coin purse.

    ¡°So you knew your friends were being ground into dust and you didn¡¯t think to rush to their aid?¡± Daisuke accused bitterly.

    Petula remained silent, her breath held in anticipation as she lingered cautiously in the background. Her eyes darted up and down, anxiously following the fluid motion of the coin flipping through the air. With each rotation, her apprehension mounted until the hooded figure snatched it at eye level, making her heart skip a beat.

    ¡°Friends?¡± he chuckled, standing up from the edge of a fountain and squaring his shoulders. ¡°Shinobi are lone wolves first and comrades second,¡± he scoffed. ¡°The mission always takes precedence, so your comrades often end up sacrificed for that cause. Why bother making friends who will just become pawns in the next mission?¡±

    ¡°Then, at some point, won¡¯t it be your turn to be used as a sacrificial pawn?¡±

    Vesper sneered, clearly displeased by the notion. ¡°No one¡¯s quick enough to catch me off guard or bring me down.¡±

    Daisuke shrugged casually. ¡°Well, if that¡¯s what helps you sleep at night,¡± he murmured, observing as Vesper secured the coin in a pouch at his hip. ¡°By the way, I really appreciate you holding onto my coin purse until I could retrieve it,¡± he remarked with a dark grin. ¡°Almost thought none of you sorry bastards had a shred of conscience.¡±

    ¡°And I thought you would¡¯ve fled town after the thrashing you took,¡± Vesper returned mockingly. ¡°Yet here you are, generously delivering more coin like an idiot. You¡¯re as stupid as they come.¡±

    As they traded barbed remarks, both warriors inched closer, tension crackling in the air between them.

    ¡°Enough chit-chat,¡± Daisuke scoffed in a chilling tone behind his mask. ¡°Let¡¯s just go to the part where I kill you.¡±

    Vesper spat to the side, an obvious indication of what he thought of his adversary¡¯s threat. ¡°At least try to make this entertaining.¡±

 CHAPTER 101: Defeat â€“ The Fate of the Deserving

    With a flicker of movement, Daisuke darted forward, his silver hair trailing behind him like a comet¡¯s tail. Vesper mirrored his speed, their bodies blurring as they clashed in a flurry of strikes and parries.

    In the soft glow of the mana crystals, their daggers wove a deadly dance as they tested each other¡¯s skill and resolve. Sparks flew as their weapon¡¯s clashed, each strike stoking the flames of Daisuke¡¯s animosity even higher.

    Suddenly, Magic Chains shot out from several small portals, their golden glow mirroring the intensity of their master¡¯s eyes. Before Vesper could be constricted and wrung dry like a wet cloth, he effortlessly cut through the mana-forged restraints with a mocking grin.

    ¡°Did you truly think such cheap tricks would work on me?¡± he scoffed, swiftly weaving through a sequence of hand seals to launch his own counterattack.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes flickered from left to right as he found himself suddenly flanked by two Vespers, each charging at him with deadly intent, blades poised for attack. But he didn¡¯t panic. Vesper registered his calm demeanor as something entirely different and swiftly advanced to deliver the lethal blow.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± he exclaimed with twisted amusement. ¡°Like all the others who¡¯ve fallen to this technique, just accept your fate!¡±

    CLANGG!

    Instead of triumph, Vesper¡¯s eyes widened in shock as his opponent shifted his body to intercept the attack coming from the right. As for the other assailant, his strike simply slipped through Daisuke¡¯s body like a mirage before he faded into nothingness.

    ¡°You!¡± Vesper hissed, the sparks from their clashing blades highlighting his exasperated expression. ¡°How did you see through my Shadow Clone Technique? That wasn¡¯t just a fluke; you knew I was the real one!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s gaze caught his eye¡ªnot the hatred and malice they harbored, but the ancient power that lay within. ¡°¡­Your eyes,¡± Vesper exclaimed, ¡°the color¡¯s changed since we last met. Don¡¯t tell me! The legendary Evil Eye?¡±

    Daisuke frowned at the man¡¯s astute observation.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how you managed to acquire such an extraordinary power,¡± he snarled, his face twisting eerily with greed. ¡°But I¡¯ll make it mine¡­ just as soon as I¡¯ve parted your head from your shoulders!¡±

    The man¡¯s threat wasn¡¯t to be taken likely, but Daisuke¡¯s sixth sense had already warned him of the danger long before the ominous words were uttered. As expected, another copy of Vesper silently advanced behind him, his weapon raised to deliver the promised blow.

    Time seemed to slow as Daisuke assessed the apparition his dagger was still interlocked with. A three-layered trap, he mused inwardly, dissecting the intricacies of the plan. The first clone was merely an illusion while the second one, despite being considerably weaker, undoubtedly possesses a physical form. It cleverly distracted me by pretending it was real, all while the real body maneuvered himself to deal a fatal blow. Smart, but you¡¯ll have to do way better than that to take me down.

    Exerting his strength, Daisuke deflected the clone¡¯s weapon, sending its arms shooting upwards. With a steely gaze, he aimed his dagger directly at its face, his voice firm with authority as he uttered the incantation, ¡°Magic Missile.¡±

    BOOOM!

    Employing Professor Bayley¡¯s visualization teachings, Daisuke channeled mana through his arm into the tip of his blade. The clone faded into mist as an explosion engulfed its face, rendering it to nothingness.

    Unperturbed by the loss of his decoy, Vesper remained focused on his goal, driven by the desire to vanquish his prey and claim a new source of power. With a savage cry, he leaped forward, his daggers descending like a miniature guillotine, intent on delivering the final blow to the vengeful nuisance.

    ¡°Die!¡±

    SWISHH!

    To Vesper¡¯s astonishment, instead of muscle and bone, his blades cleaved through nothing but empty air. His target had completely vanished from sight and sound, courtesy of the Stygian Abyss mask and the Dash skill.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°You seem very confident in your speed,¡± Daisuke said tauntingly as he whipped around the chamber, his narrow passes making Vesper visibly nervous. ¡°Try to keep up,¡± he challenged, a smirk playing on his lips.

    ¡°You fucking coward!¡± Vesper¡¯s voice reverberated with venom, his frustration boiling over. Barely able to make out a blur of movement, he unleashed his words with seething intensity. ¡°Why don¡¯t you stop playing games and fight me like a true warrior!¡±

    DING!

    [The Swift Leather Boots¡¯ option effect has been activated, invoking the Haste skill. Speed and Agility surge by 50% for the next 30 seconds.]

    ¡°You seem to be under the wrong impression here,¡± Daisuke¡¯s voice, modulated and ominous, rumbled through the chamber like the primal roar of a menacing beast. ¡°This isn¡¯t a friendly duel¡­ it¡¯s an unglorified slaughter.¡±

    Vesper¡¯s eyes widened in alarm at the dark declaration. When the blur he was once able to perceive disappeared, he panicked, hurling kunai and a barrage of shuriken in all directions, yet none found their mark. In a last desperate attempt, he chucked a smokescreen to the ground, studying the billowing smoke intently for any sign of movement.

    But it was futile.

    Before he could react, Daisuke fell upon him like a bloodthirsty gargoyle, clutching his face in an iron grip and mercilessly driving it into the unforgiving ground. A guttural gasp escaped Vesper¡¯s lips as searing agony surged through his body, his eyes rolling back in a haze of excruciating torment.

    But Daisuke wasn¡¯t satisfied. He dragged the villainous swine across the hard ground, carving a path of destruction in his wake. Finally, he brought him to the small fountain where he had been seated earlier, a grim determination burning in his eyes.

    ¡°Your mouth must be dry after spitting on me while I was down,¡± he said sadistically, shoving the bastard¡¯s face into the water. ¡°Here, let me do something about that.¡±

    As Vesper desperately fought to escape, Daisuke remained eerily composed as he dropped a Flarial Seed into the pool. With chilling detachment, he observed as the water swiftly transformed into a seething cauldron of agony, heralding an agonizing fate more terrifying than death itself.

    When Vesper¡¯s anguished cries faded into silence and his frantic struggles ceased, Daisuke retrieved his stolen coin purse from the motionless body, his actions devoid of remorse or hesitation. With a final glance at the now still form, he turned away, leaving behind only the echoes of justice served.

    Petula was too mortified to speak. Keeping her head down, she simply trailed behind him. The icy aura emanating from his body sent shivers down her spine, similar to the bone-chilling winds of the northern tundras.

    DING!

    [Vesper has been defeated!]

    [Ancient coin has been acquired.]

    [Reinforcement Tablet x2 has been acquired.]

    [Mana crystal has been acquired.]

    [Iron Ingot has been acquired.]

    [Antarctic Balm has been acquired.]

    [207 gold has been acquired.]

    ***

    The Florian attendant had cried herself into a daze, her body slumped in the far corner of the room.

    ¡­PSSHH!

    ¡­PSSHH!

    ¡­PSSHH!

    Casimir¡¯s fists crashed down, one and then the other, ecstasy contorting his portly face despite his fatigue. Hot breaths escaped his parted lips in jagged bursts, his body flushed and shiny with sweat.

    With a perverse grin, he reveled in the rush of dominance and authority coursing through him, his knuckles slick with the crimson evidence of his violence. He was drunk on the intoxicating sense of control and power he derived from his cruelty, his cock hard-forged steel beneath his bulging belly.

    Reeza lay sprawled helplessly beneath the savage predator, her once-beautiful face now a grim canvas of blood and swelling, twisted beyond recognition. With each merciless blow, the weight of her past wrongs bore down on her mind like lightning amidst a tempestuous sky, each strike a painful reminder of her darkest moments.

    She reflected on the tragic demise of Zephyr and Daisuke¡¯s unfortunate descent into a vengeful force of nature. She recalled the countless players she had swindled or gotten killed, as well as the many properties she had trespassed upon and plundered.

    Her single-minded pursuit of liberating her mother had blinded her to the horrible collateral damage left in her wake. As the weight of her transgressions settled upon her, she acknowledged the ceaseless cycle of her wrongdoings, recognizing herself as the architect of countless tragedies, whether by intention or circumstance.

    With a heavy heart, she resigned herself to her fate, accepting it as a rightful consequence for the havoc she had wrought upon others. As if detecting her resignation and submission, Casimir halted his assault, his eyes wide with a frenzied intensity. A twisted grin split his face as he panted heavily, his gaze raking hungrily over her petite form.

    ¡°Aghh,¡± he groaned amorously, the sight of her shattered spirit pushing him dangerously close to the brink. ¡°I can¡¯t hold back any longer.¡±

    With exuberance, he positioned himself between her small legs, his large, calloused hands exploring the delicate curves of her thighs. A single tear slipped from Reeza¡¯s swollen eye, yet she remained still, refusing to writhe or utter a sound.

    Casimir was salivating, his anticipation reaching a fever pitch as he reached for the fabric that stood between him and a delectable feast. But just as his fingers grazed the puny cloth, poised to tear it away, a boot connected with his jaw, sending him and several teeth flying.

 CHAPTER 102: Dinkidoo â€“ Getting a Taste of His Own Medicine

    Daisuke shifted his gaze from the pervert¡¯s undignified sprawl at the far side of the room, to the broken girl at his feet. His desire for vengeance against her wavered as he examined her critical state.

    ¡°R-Reeza!¡± Petula cried out in devastation as she threw herself down beside the tattered and torn Florian. ¡°This is horrible! How could anyone do such a thing!¡±

    Daisuke observed as the girl¡¯s lips slightly curled at the call of her name, a single finger twitching as she tried in vain to summon her strength. Her blood-coated hair was plastered across her forehead, casting her eyes in shadow.

    She was utterly and hopelessly defeated, and Daisuke could entirely relate, so much so that it stirred his anger, as if the girl¡¯s heartache was his own. Without a word, he stalked toward Casimir who was frantically rummaging through several furniture.

    ¡°Potion! Potion! I need a potion!¡± he chanted mindlessly, finally coming into possession of what he sought. ¡°I-I need to restore my precious teeth; I won¡¯t be able to convince a single noble if I look like this! I¡¯m a member of the Mhaledictus, goddammit!¡±

    ¡°Maybe they would take you more seriously if you weren¡¯t such an insufferable pig,¡± were the only words Daisuke offered, his calm demeanor betraying the monstrous storm that raged within.

    Just as Casimir brought the vial to his face and was about to consume the potion, Daisuke mercilessly planted his foot, shattering the glass against the bastard¡¯s face.

    He knew the man¡¯s intention was to bribe or threaten him in an attempt to stall for time until his loyal dogs arrived, but Daisuke wasn¡¯t interested in his vile words, nor was he afraid of reinforcements. In this moment, he wasn¡¯t a morally astute saint, a patient hero, or a diplomatic vigilante, but a primal force fueled purely by a desire for vengeance.

    ¡°You ignorant brat!¡± Casimir barked, blood spilling from his wounds. ¡°The Mhaledictus¡ª¡±

    Daisuke stuffed his boot into the pig¡¯s mouth, stifling the rest of his words and uprooting several more teeth in the process. Knowing his fury wouldn¡¯t allow him to launch a proper interrogation, he opened the floodgates and allowed his inner demon to let loose.

    Casimir let out a series of broken screams and gasps as Daisuke¡¯s boot found his face over and over again. The sickening sound of violence and retribution reverberated through the room, stirring the Florian attendant from her stupor to witness what she perceived as divine providence.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see how you feel being the one at the bottom,¡± Daisuke said ominously before kicking the pervert into one of the building¡¯s many vacant rooms and sliding the door shut.

    Casimir ungracefully stumbled and fell on his face inside. With a snarl, he snatched up a sword from a nearby sword stand and scrambled to his feet. ¡°You bastard!¡± he bellowed, barreling toward the door. ¡°I¡¯ll find and kill everyone you¡¯ve ever known and¡ª¡±

    The final set of words didn¡¯t manage to escape Casimir¡¯s lips. The outrage that once twisted his countenance and fueled his purposeful strides had now morphed into terror as he laid eyes upon the large beast that suddenly materialized before him.

    ¡°You. Chunky human,¡± panted a familiar Orc who was clearly still under the effects of the aphrodisiac, thick saliva drooling from its wagging tongue. ¡°You accept dinkidoo!¡±

    Casimir had an inkling of what that command entailed, and he squealed like a pig as he took a step back. The reaction stirred the Orc¡¯s predatory instincts, and it began stalking toward its prey, ravenous eyes raking over the man¡¯s flabby frame.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    Casimir attacked with the ornamental long sword. The Orc effortlessly deflected the blade with its forearm, shattering the flimsy steel. Casimir stood in horror as he was gradually enveloped in the shadow of a creature whose hunger clearly outweighed his own.

    In the next instant, he found himself prostrated, his fingernails peeling the wooden floor as he attempted to claw his way to freedom. But it was futile. Suddenly, his body jerked forward violently, his eyes bulging, a pained cry ripping from his lungs as his body was forcefully breached. His folds rippled as the Orc found what it sought, over and again over again.

    As the man¡¯s blood-curdling screams erupted from the room, Daisuke made his way toward Reeza. Petula glanced up at him with worrisome eyes as he approached, then shifted her gaze to the motionless girl whose head she had carefully rested upon her lap. She had also covered her body with a layer of her own garment.

    ¡°Her breathing¡¯s very shallow,¡± Petula informed dejectedly. ¡°At this rate¡­¡±

    Silently, Daisuke crouched down and effortlessly summoned a potion in his hand, the shimmering red liquid catching Petula¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±

    DING!

    [Medium HP Recovery Potion]

    [A potion brewed by combining Celestia flowers, Vitaberries, and Bloomwhisper Herbs. Its restorative potency varies depending on the concentration grade.

    Item Effect: Replenishes 1,500 health

    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    ¡°T-That¡¯s a very expensive potion,¡± Petula exclaimed in a hushed tone, feeling a tad guilty on Reeza¡¯s behalf. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s okay?¡±

    ¡°¡­There¡¯s nothing in this world that can be compared to the worth of a person¡¯s life,¡± Daisuke murmured as he gently raised the girl¡¯s head to feed her two vials¡¯ worth of the remedy.

    As the cool, rejuvenating effects of the serum quickly spread throughout her body, healing bones and skin, Reeza¡¯s eyes slowly blinked open. For a moment, her vision was blurry, which seemed to heighten the faint echoes of Daisuke¡¯s words that reverberated in her mind. In addition to no longer being in excruciating pain, she could vividly hear Casimir¡¯s muffled screams and knew that Daisuke had not only saved her from a grim fate, but had also avenged her.

    But why?

    Even if he held all life in such high regard, surely her own would weigh less on his scale after all the wrongs she had done him. She was grateful her life was spared, but now, whether she liked it or not, she was greatly indebted to him.

    ¡°¡­The potions,¡± she said beneath her breath, keeping her gaze averted.

    Daisuke frowned. ¡°Did you say something?¡±

    ¡°The potions!¡± Reeza repeated in a higher pitch, a flush staining her cheeks as she pouted. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back for them.¡±

    Daisuke stood and turned away, his thoughts unsettled.

    Petula smiled warmly as she observed the awkward exchange.

    ¡°¡­By the way,¡± Reeza said to the woman as she gingerly pushed to her feet and properly secured the loose garment around her small frame. ¡°Did you¡­ happen to see my mother on your way here?¡±

    Petula pursed her lips as the image of a particular chamber floated in her mind. ¡°I¡­ may have an idea.¡±

    Reeza¡¯s face lit up. For a moment, she resembled the innocent little girl who had brought Daisuke a kebab while he was struggling to make ends meet. But that was just a persona to deceive him¡­ wasn¡¯t it?

    ¡°Take her and go,¡± Daisuke said, a telling undercurrent saturating his words, his butterscotch eyes transitioning to gold as they veered to the side. ¡°I¡¯ll find you once I¡¯m done wrapping up things here.¡±

    Petula didn¡¯t need to be psychic to understand the warning behind his tone. With an urgency borne of caution, she took Reeza¡¯s hand who was still groggy on her feet from blood loss, beckoned to the other young Florian girl who was meekly observing the scene, and quickly departed through the front door.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go ahead and come out now,¡± Daisuke said without a trace of hospitality. ¡°You can hide your presence all you want, but I¡¯d be able to pick up on that bloodlust from a mile away.¡±

    ¡°How very perceptive of you,¡± Ranger said by means of greeting as he entered the room from a side door. ¡°You even cleverly used the tunnels to out-maneuver me on your way here.¡±

    DING!

    [Ranger | Lvl 54 | Shinobi]

    Daisuke frowned at the tall and imposing man dressed in black. He wore a stoic yet condescending expression.

    ¡°¡­What did you do to the man who was in this room?¡± asked Ranger, a silent rage simmering to a boil beneath his calm veneer.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just say he¡¯s getting a hard dose of his own medicine,¡± Daisuke replied with the same nonchalance and condescension.

 CHAPTER 103: The Final Round â€“ Revenge Accomplished?

    Ranger¡¯s eyebrow twitched in irritation. In the same beat, the Orc burst through a door adjacent to him, a measure of the aphrodisiac still clearly coursing through its veins. Locking onto its new prey, the ravenous beast lurched at the man garbed in black.

    ¡°Human! Accept dinkidoo!¡±

    It took but an instant for Ranger to understand what manner of fate had befallen his employer. Anger carved his face into unyielding lines of exasperation, but instead of sympathy for the hefty degenerate he had been commissioned to protect, he seemed more upset about the inconvenience his demise would cause.

    With unwavering composure, he drew a pair of sickles, their blades forming ominous semicircles. He swiftly struck at the repulsive creature, aiming for its head. However, instead of its skull, only one of its tusks fell to the floor with a heavy thud.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ranger muttered darkly, eyeing the awkward angle of the Orc¡¯s body. ¡°You¡¯re quick¡­ and flexible.¡±

    At this point, the beast was sweating bullets, its dinkidoo shriveling like a raisin within its skimpy loincloth. With a panicked yelp, it clumsily rolled to the side, hurled itself through the window, and fled like an Olympic sprinter being chased by a swarm of bees.

    DING!

    [You have defeated a ?Juvenile Honeywasp Orc?!]

    [Juvenile Honeywasp Orc¡¯s Tusk has been acquired.]

    [4 gold has been acquired.]

    Daisuke frowned. Hah. So if a monster loses the will to fight and flees, it counts as a partial kill. Makes sense I didn¡¯t get much loot since I barely damaged it. Still, I¡¯m surprised the System even factored in the damage I dealt before storing it in my inventory.

    DING!

    [Casimir has been defeated!]

    [Agate Magic Bag has been acquired.]

    [Reinforcement Tablet x2 has been acquired.]

    [Celestial Cube (White) x3 has been acquired.]

    [Runetablet x2 has been acquired.]

    [Brothel Blueprints has been acquired.]

    [Mana crystal has been acquired.]

    [Universal Prison Key has been acquired.]

    [2867 gold has been acquired.]

    Ranger regarded Daisuke like a wolf would a sheep, his body tilting forward in sheer battle-readiness, his weapons poised to strike. ¡°I don¡¯t know who you are or who you work for, but I¡¯ll show you what happens when vermin meddle in my affairs.¡±

    Daisuke looked on unflinchingly, his body crouching low as he brandished the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang.

    WHOOSH!

    Suddenly, his confidence shattered as Ranger shot past him like a gust of wind, leaving a deep gash beneath his right eye.

    Daisuke turned to look at the shinobi, his golden eyes quivering in alarm. If I had reacted just a microsecond slower, he would have gouged out my eye.

    ¡°I won¡¯t miss next time,¡± Ranger promised, already sensing that his adversary possessed a special ocular ability.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes burned.

    DING!

    [Name: Ranger

    Species: Human

    Level: 54 | EXP: 14,568/455,625 (3.19%)

    Class: Shinobi

    Affiliation: Mhaledictus | Assassin¡¯s Guild | Hidden

    Title: Shadow Master | One-Hit Kill

    HP: 30,507/30,507 | MP: 814/846

    Strength: 200 (+8) | Stamina: 40 (+4) | Agility: 270 (+6) | Intelligence: 30 | Dexterity: 39 | Leadership: 24 | Charisma: 9This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Stat Points: 0]

    DING!

    [Ranger activates the skill ?Shadow Step?!]

    [Shadow Step]

    [Rank: Rare

    Lvl: 4

    Proficiency: 43%

    Born from the shadows, this skill is the embodiment of stealth, agility, and cunning.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Allows the user to meld with the darkness and move instantly to a designated shadow within a 20-meter radius.

    ?? Grants temporary invisibility for 5 seconds upon arrival, perfect for ambushes or quick escapes.

    ?? Enables the user to augment movement speed by 35% for 15 seconds while moving in complete silence, rendering their footsteps undetectable by foes.

    Mana Cost: 25

    Skill Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

    As promised, Ranger set out to claim the Evil Eyes. Sparks flew from the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang as it narrowly deflected a sickle, the weapon¡¯s lethal blade reflected in Daisuke¡¯s eyes.

    Dammit! Daisuke snarled, his 99 points in Strength failing miserably at competing with the man¡¯s whopping 208. He¡¯s freely able to jump from one shadow to the next? Talk about a cheat skill!

    Daisuke stumbled forward when Ranger¡¯s weapon disappeared. By the time he was able to regain his balance, the man appeared behind him, silently resurfacing from his shadow.

    SLASH!

    The sickle traced a vertical arc, carving a long, bloody line along Daisuke¡¯s back. He cried out in agony but quickly clenched his teeth, sifting through the pain to regain his focus.

    WHOSH! SWISH! CLANG! BOOM!

    Activating the Dash skill, Daisuke and Ranger became blurs of motion, their forms flickering in and out of visibility. Each time they momentarily solidified, bright sparks erupted from their clashing weapons, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake¡ªa deep crevice in the wall, a vase shattering, fixtures and furnishings reduced to debris.

    But Daisuke¡¯s measly 186 points in Agility could hardly hold a candle to Ranger¡¯s 276. With a pained grunt, he raised his dagger defensively and crossed his forearms as the shinobi swept past him like a cyclone, inflicting several deep gashes on his body.

    Daisuke glanced up as the man made another pass, his golden pupils darting around with unnerving speed. While he could track the shinobi¡¯s movements with the Eye of Verity and sense his presence thanks to Sixth Sense, his body struggled to keep up.

    Blood splattered in jagged arcs across the floor as Ranger methodically sliced away at the insignificant insect who dared to meddle in his plans. Desperate, Daisuke activated the Dash skill again, praying for the 10% chance of triggering Haste, but luck wasn¡¯t on his side.

    Bouncing off the walls like a coiled spring, Daisuke finally caught the elusive shinobi in a free fall. He sneered at the bastard as he launched himself from the ceiling, aiming to cleave the man in two. But before the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang could savor fresh blood, its prey suddenly vanished into thin air.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in dismay as the airborne shinobi, once vulnerable, resurfaced from the shadow being cast on the ground, his weapons poised to strike.

    Instantaneously, Daisuke raised his dagger with the intention of attempting Impeccable Parry, but the man hoisting his weapons was merely a feint. Shifting his body, he delivered a crippling kick to Daisuke¡¯s chin before following up with a roundhouse that sent him into a spiral and crashing into the wall.

    Cough! Daisuke puked up a mouthful of blood as he scrambled to his feet, his breathing haggard, his dagger raised.

    ***

    Amara and Morgana awoke at the clinic, grateful to find themselves miles away from the nightmare that was the goblin cave. They visited Gloria at the monastery and effusively thanked her for all she had done.

    The woman shook her head with a smile. ¡°Haxks and his little friend deserves all the credit,¡± Gloria admitted modestly. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for them, none of us would have been able to escape that place.¡±

    ¡°He could¡¯ve stuck around until we got the chance to properly thank him,¡± Morgana murmured indignantly.

    Amara cupped her hands ceremoniously, whispering a prayer to goddess Seraphina to anoint and protect their savior with her divine prowess. ¡°¡­I hope he¡¯s alright.¡±

    ***

    BOOM!

    Daisuke crashed through the wooden wall of the house, rolling until he came to an explosive stop outside. Through the gaping hole in the wooden paneling, Ranger could be seen slowly lowering his leg, his gaze harsh and unsympathetic.

    Silently, he advanced along the path of destruction towards his floundering prey. The man boasted a physique that blessed him with incredible speed and power to deal swift and devastating damage to his enemies. He didn¡¯t care too much about stamina since his stealth skill allowed him to kill his enemies long before he ran out of energy.

    Daisuke¡¯s expression crumpled and a pained cry escaped his lips as he pulled a length of broken wood from his abdomen. Warm blood pooled in his palm from the wound, but he knew the instant he attempted to consume a potion, he would be mercilessly cut down.

    His heartbeat pounded in his ears as his health that was well below 50% gradually began depleting.

    DING!

    [¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing partially alleviates your bleeding.]

    Daisuke shifted his perturbed gaze from the notification window back to the approaching shinobi. I guess¡­ certain status afflictions are¡­ conditional, even for this passive.

    As he struggled to gather his bearings, Daisuke knew he would need a miracle to walk away from this battle alive. Unlike before when he simply focused on achieving a single stat advantage such as Agility and his desire was met¡ªnow, he needed a balance between a particular pair of stats to win.

    Considering the level and stat difference between him and Ranger, especially the night and day difference in their equipment and battle experience, he knew he was stuck between a rock and a very hard place.

    It felt like every single time he managed to clear a very difficult hurdle and climb to a new pinnacle of power, he¡¯s faced with hardship and reminded of how powerless he truly is. But he couldn¡¯t accept that reality, not when there were so many people depending on him.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, his golden eyes burning as he braced for the end. There has to be some way I can turn this around¡ª¡±

    DING!

    [Goddess Seraphina¡¯s gentle gaze falls upon you.]

    DING!

    [The Composure stat restores your decorum and remedies your abnormal mental state.]

    DING!

    [Goddess ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç gently sways her fingers.]

    DING!

    [The ancient rune stirs at the silent command¡­]

    [The divine seal weakens¡­]

    [History begins weaving a new legend¡­]

    DING!

    [The hidden skill ?¡ì??? @%&?? has been unsealed!]

    [Stat Reset]

    [Rank: Unknown

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 33%

    A sacred power that hinges on the edge of heresy. It rivals the power of the gods and has the potential to either shape or shatter the world.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Grants the ability to indefinitely reset and redistribute your Stat Points as desired.

    Mana Cost: None

    Skill Cooldown: 10 Minutes]

 CHAPTER 104: Stat Reset â€“ A Power that Challenges the Divine

    A flood of questions rushed through Daisuke¡¯s mind, but there was no time for deliberation¡ªlet alone celebration.

    The Composure stat kept his focus locked on the battle, preventing even a moment of distraction. With a clear plan in mind, he muttered, ¡°Stat Reset.¡± To his astonishment, not only were his regular stats reset, but even the normally untouchable Special Stats had reverted as well.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 31 | EXP: 64,960/150,156 (43.26%)

    Class: Dual Blader

    Affiliation: Adventurers¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter

    HP: 661/3086 | MP: 148/324

    Strength: 0 (+21) | Stamina: 0 (+22) | Agility: 0 (+35) | Intelligence: 0 (+10) | Dexterity: 0 (+35) | Composure: 0 | Indomitable: 0 | Perception: 0

    Stat Points: 470]

    ¡°Any last words?¡± Ranger scoffed, his weapons glinting in the ambient light as he raised them.

    Tuning out the man¡¯s theatrics, Daisuke cast another glance at the shinobi¡¯s Status Window. There, he observed a confident sacrifice of Stamina, evidently made under the assumption that he could swiftly overwhelm his enemies with explosive speed and agility¡ªtraits likely enhanced by the Shadow Step skill.

    Daisuke didn¡¯t need to deliberate for too long, though it took considerable mental effort to redistribute his stats to his desired ratio solely through calculation. Yet, with his life hanging in the balance, he swiftly and efficiently completed the task.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 31 | EXP: 64,960/150,156 (43.26%)

    Class: Dual Blader

    Affiliation: Adventurers¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter

    HP: 661/3559 | MP: 148/324

    Strength: 10 (+21) | Stamina: 80 (+22) | Agility: 323 (+35) | Intelligence: 0 (+10) | Dexterity: 52 (+35) | Composure: 5 | Indomitable: 0 | Perception: 0

    Stat Points: 0]

    Ranger clicked his tongue in irritation, his gaze clouded with bitterness. It irked him to be ignored, especially by quarry who usually would have already begun pleading for their lives.

    But he didn¡¯t have the time to indulge himself with torture, not when his forces were decimated and his puppet was violated to death by a beast. Right now it was imperative that he promptly found himself a fitting replacement.

    ¡°Pity I didn¡¯t figure out who you¡¯re affiliated with,¡± Ranger muttered with disdain, his bicep flexing as he tightened his grip around his weapon. ¡°But I want you to die knowing that they will all be following right behind you soon enough.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Before his sickle could carve a lethal trajectory, Daisuke disappeared. Ranger glanced down in alarm at the small wound that split open beneath his right eye, similar to the one he had inflicted on his prey.

    ¡°¡­The next one will be in your back,¡± Daisuke said in a chilling tone. ¡°I¡¯m a very vengeful guy; I¡¯m sure you can understand.¡±

    A muscle worked in Ranger¡¯s jaw. His malevolent gaze shifted from Daisuke¡¯s eyes to his shadow, but before he could use it to his advantage, his target once again disappeared.

    SLASHH!

    The promised strike to the shinobi¡¯s back came a second later, but its sting couldn¡¯t compare to the wound inflicted on his ego. How could he, a shinobi, allow his adversary to land an attack on his back? His cool visage crumpled when he turned around, his teeth gritted.

    Instead of the teleportation aspect of the Shadow Step skill, Ranger decided to exploit its speed.

    CLANG!

    His sickle found Daisuke¡¯s dagger in a shrill explosion, and a grin stretched his lips, reassured he was able to intercept.

    ¡°Is that the best you can do?¡± he taunted in a strained breath, applying more force to his weapon.

    ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s not,¡± Daisuke simply said, then he activated Dash for the first time since altering his stats.

    DING!

    [The Swift Leather Boots¡¯ option effect has been activated, invoking the Haste skill. Speed and Agility surge by 50% for the next 30 seconds.]

    Ranger felt like a fish out of water¡ªor more accurately, a scarecrow caught in a tornado. His body jerked violently as Daisuke attacked him from all angles, the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang tracing a gleaming trajectory as it feasted.

    With a mere Strength value of 28, Daisuke could only inflict superficial wounds. Yet, his relentless barrage of attacks was so consistent that he kept triggering and applying the Bleed Status, steadily chipping away at Ranger¡¯s health.

    As his blood splattered onto the ground like the brushstrokes of a talented painter, the shinobi grew increasingly breathless, the loss of blood and his futile attempts to retreat or retaliate draining his energy. In contrast, his adversary only seemed to grow swifter with each passing moment.

    Instinctively, in a desperate bid to inflict more damage, Daisuke retrieved the Bloodstained Short Sword he had acquired from Rohan. Though it was clearly several levels above his own, what happened next caught him off guard.

    DING!

    [You do not currently meet the conditions required to wield the ?Bloodstained Short Sword?. Consequently, the weapon¡¯s Attack Power will decrease by 50%, and only a fraction of the option effects can be utilized.]

    [Bloodstained Short Sword +1]

    [Rank: Rare

    Type: Sword

    Melee Attack Power: 204~228 | Durability: 91/91 | Attack Speed: +11%

    Forged in the fires of battle and tempered with the blood of its foes, the Bloodstained Short Sword is a formidable weapon that strikes fear into the hearts of adversaries. Its blade, stained with the crimson hue of countless battles, exudes an aura of relentless ferocity.

    ?? Agility +4

    ?? Attack Damage +5

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 40+ | Strength 35+ | Stamina 20+]

    Daisuke marveled at the newly discovered perk that being part NPC had blessed him with. If he was a player, forget the weapon¡¯s power being nerfed, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to equip it at all.

    Pushing the thought aside, he allowed himself to be swallowed up by his wrath once more. His weapons struck out like the fangs of a serpent, ripping through leather and fabric to carve crimson lines into their prey¡¯s skin.

    Ranger swung his pair of sickles around mindlessly, wasting precious energy. But Daisuke showed neither pity nor remorse. With each time his blades found defenseless skin, he saw an image of the people who the Mhaledictus had hurt¡ªZephyr, Reeza, Petula, her husband, the dozens of people being held captive, and not to mention the Beastfolk at Elmridge village.

    DING!

    [Lightning Edge has been activated. Your weapons will be enveloped in electricity for 25 seconds, sharpening your blades and adding elemental damage to your Physical Attacks.]

    FLASHH!

    Ranger¡¯s muscles tensed, locking in place as crackling tendrils of electricity danced across his frame like vengeful serpents, rendering him immobile. A primal roar erupted from his throat as Daisuke closed in, the electrified blades now cutting deep into flesh as opposed to just skin.

    ¡°Skewering Shadows!¡± Ranger bellowed as he stabbed his weapons into the ground, his teeth bloody, his eyes crazed.

    Daisuke sprang upward just as dozens of dark spikes shot up from the ground, narrowly avoiding them by mere microseconds. With a roar rivaling that of the shinobi¡¯s, he propelled himself off the ceiling and drove his blades downward, plunging them into the bastard¡¯s shoulders.

    Ranger stifled a pained roar¡ªinstead, he shook off his enemy and hurled a smoke bomb to the ground before disappearing into the shadows. Daisuke pursued, only to find the man¡¯s weapons scattered a few feet apart and a trail of blood leading into the darkness, where his adversary had vanished without a trace.

    ¡°That bastard,¡± Daisuke cursed as he removed his mask, his golden eyes smoldering. ¡°Did he use that annoying Shadow Step skill again? Dammit!¡±

 CHAPTER 105: Unrequited Love & Spite

    The heart-wrenching wails of a young girl echoed through the laboratory. Grief-stricken, Petula hung her head, her grip tightening around her elbow as the Florian¡¯s voice began to break. Tennyson¡¯s fists trembled at his sides, his heart sinking under the crushing weight of guilt.

    Reeza clung desperately to the side of the pedestal used as an operating table, her legs buckling beneath her. Harsh tears streamed down her face as she gazed at her mother¡¯s still form. No matter how intensely she willed it to be false, nothing changed¡ªher mother lay breathless, her life cruelly extinguished by the forces of evil.

    As her body slumped to the floor, a distant memory resurfaced. She had been ecstatic, having amassed half of the funds necessary to free her mother. That day, she had rushed to the woman¡¯s cell to celebrate, a hopeful spark in her eyes and joy in her heart.

    She vividly remembered her mother often garbed in a kimono. Despite their dire circumstances, she always wore a wholehearted smile and often encouraged Reeza to forget about her and live her own life. Now that her body was no longer hidden behind the concealing garments, Reeza could see the gruesome wounds that marred the woman¡¯s skin¡ªa harrowing telltale of the life of abuse she had endured alone.

    ¡°What was the point?¡± Reeza cried out, her voice laced with anguish. ¡°What was the point of stealing and hurting so many people if I couldn¡¯t even save her in the end?¡±

    ¡°Casimir was undeniably the worst kind of scum, but he wasn¡¯t exactly stupid,¡± Daisuke argued as he strode into the room. ¡°You¡¯d expect him to milk every opportunity for profit before severing ties, especially when the opposition hardly poses a threat.¡±

    Everyone glanced down at Reeza¡¯s broken form on the ground. Daisuke, in particular, regarded her with a mixture of emotions. But the most predominant had to be anger. While her situation was tragic, her deeds were extremely selfish¡ªand countless people were affected by her actions, including Zephyr.

    Daisuke had been burned far too many times, and he had already promised himself that unnecessary kindness was a burden he no longer intended to shoulder, especially when he didn¡¯t stand to benefit.

    As malice slowly reared its unpleasant head, consuming what little sympathy he had in his heart for the girl, Daisuke¡¯s fingers began unfurling. Every fiber of his being was telling him to summon the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang and end her miserable life then and there.

    But just as he was about to concede to the dark deed, his fingers stilled. Before the power of his eyes, a strange entity manifested itself. It was in the form of a stall bird, electricity flickering from its wings as it hovered defensively in front of Reeza.

    DING!

    [The Djinn, Voltina, fiercely guards her prospective contractor.]

    ¡­A Djinn? Daisuke frowned inquisitively. What¡¯s that? And am I the only one who can see it?

    [Name: Voltina

    Level: 27 | EXP: 12,864/113,906 (11.29%)

    Race: Lightning Djinn

    Current Species: Yellow Canary

    HP: 2875/2875

    [Mysterious and elusive elemental beings often regarded as the messengers of Guardian Spirits. Djinn are inherently shy and peaceful creatures with the extraordinary ability to sense the goodness in others. On rare occasions, they form sacred bonds with individuals with whom they share a profound and uncanny connection.]

    Without warning, the Djinn invaded Daisuke¡¯s mind in an attempt to cool his rage. Like the pages of a flipbook, he was shown snippets of Reeza¡¯s character and lifestyle that weren¡¯t readily seen on the surface.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    It was the girl¡¯s morning routine to make the arduous trek down to the irrigation canal to fetch water. The sun was unforgiving, and the wooden pails of water almost dwarfed her tiny frame, but she pressed on, refusing the help of others.

    As she made her way through the busy market, she paused for a break at a familiar storefront, watching with a small smile as the plumehearts pecked at scraps of bread on the busy cobblestone street.

    Buying a freshly baked loaf with a fraction of her pilfered coins, she tore off a piece to offer to a stray Bearhound lurking in an adjacent alleyway, its puppy-dog eyes breaking her heart. Next, she divided the provisions evenly among the homeless children in the slums, not paying heed to their racial backgrounds.

    Finally, she delivered the remaining half to the captives held by the Casimir, ensuring they stayed nourished and well, all while keeping her efforts hidden from prying eyes.

    The unforgiving sun was directly over head now. Reeza slumped against the rough stone wall in the back alleys, exhaustion evident in her posture. With her charitable act complete, she was left with nothing but a stale, moldy piece of bread.

    This meager portion was all she allowed for her unworthy self. With a sigh, she forced it down with a swig of water, her expression reflecting a mix of sadness and resignation. Even as she ate, her eyes couldn¡¯t help but search for the next target of her questionable deeds.

    Daisuke sighed inwardly as the Djinn disappeared. While I didn¡¯t kill anyone, her deeds are no different from what I was doing in Dusthaven. I tried not to think about it, but I¡¯m sure we were hurting many people by robbing the vendors of their hard-earned goods.

    ¡°Do you remember any details about the people who brought her mother to you?¡± Daisuke asked, his gaze falling onto the remorseful neurolchemist.

    The man¡¯s forehead crinkled as he rummaged through his memory. ¡°¡­She was brought in by a young man after supposedly attacking an important guest.¡±

    ¡°And then you!¡± Reeza sneered, lurching forward with a raised fist. ¡°You killed her!¡±

    Daisuke caught her hand, his expression unreadable. ¡°Calm down,¡± he commanded in an ominous monotone. ¡°You seem to forget that you¡¯ve unwillingly hurt innocent people, as well.¡±

    Reeza recalled Zephyr¡¯s pained yelp and bit her lip in regret. Then she glanced at the scientist with disdain, still unable to forgive him for what he¡¯d done.

    She understood her mother¡¯s nature well; a true pacifist who wouldn¡¯t harm a soul. It was inconceivable for her to defy authority, knowing full well the potential repercussions it could have on her daughter as well.

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Reeza argued vehemently. ¡°My mother would never do something like that, no matter the situation!¡±

    ¡°This young man,¡± Petula asked hesitantly, unsure whether to participate or remain quiet. ¡°¡­What exactly did he look like?¡±

    Tennyson glanced up at the ceiling as he contemplated. ¡°He was a young man, maybe fourteen; small-statured, half-lidded eyes, and bronze hair.¡±

    ¡°Fynch?¡± Reeza¡¯s eyes quivered in shock as the name rolled off her tongue. For a moment, she couldn¡¯t fathom why he would do such a horrible thing, but as a recent memory replayed in her mind, she began to understand.

    Fynch sat at a crowded table in the cafeteria, eating the unappetizing slop that passed for food. Around him, his comrades indulged in beer, sharing tall tales of daring adventures and unforgettable women.

    A loud guffaw erupted from one of the men as he playfully slapped another on the back, causing beer to spill across the table. Fynch quickly stood up, but not before a splash of beer soaked his crotch.

    One of the men chuckled, pointing at the suspicious stain. ¡°Ahh, to be young again~¡± he teased.¡±

    ¡°Puberty¡¯s tough to handle at that age,¡± another chimed in with a smirk.

    ¡°With so many delectable women walking around, it¡¯s no wonder,¡± added a third man as he smacked the rear of a retreating Beastkin, winning another round of laughter from his companions.

    Fynch was red in the face from all the baseless accusations, but he knew it was a waste of time to reason with the drunkards. But at least he would let off some steam by yelling at them.

    As he was about to suck in a lungful of air to let them have it, the front doors burst open and in sauntered a small-statured girl with a hulking bag upon her back, her face twisted into a fierce and contemptuous scowl.

    Fynch watched her with admiration as she fearlessly approached their leader and his imposing bodyguard. She spoke her mind before nonchalantly twirling on her heels to leave. Fynch was awestruck; he had vowed a million times that he would muster up the courage to speak with her but was never man enough to do it.

    Already feeling the heat of embarrassment from his soaked crotch, he figured he might as well go all in and lay his cards on the table.

    ¡°Hey, Reeza,¡± he called before she could slip through the door. ¡°I¡¯ve been scouting a group of adventurers. They¡¯ve been hunting on the third floor of the dungeon for a few days now. Their gear looks pretty expensive. What¡¯d yah say? Wanna take ¡®em? We can split the rewards 40-50?¡±

    Reeza frowned, her gaze darkening. ¡°Not interested,¡± she scoffed with derision, shoving him aside so that she could leave.

    Fynch watched her go, the enthusiasm in his eyes transforming into something sinister. He loved and adored her beyond compare¡ªyears of worshipping her like a goddess shattered in an instant.

    Now all he could think about was making her feel even a fraction of the pain her rejection had evoked in him.

    As the bastard¡¯s smug visage appeared in her mind, Reeza bit down on her lip so hard it started to bleed.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Petula whispered as she embraced her tightly, their bodies trembling as they both sobbed.

 CHAPTER 106: Freedom & The Rewards of Virtue

    In the dimly lit confines of the prison chamber, the captives chanted Reeza¡¯s name like a sacred prayer. As she passed by, desperate hands reached through the metal bars, each prisoner yearning to touch their savior and perhaps claim a sliver of her fortune for themselves.

    Daisuke watched the ironic scene unfold with mixed emotions, knowing Reeza felt the same conflict. She had unintentionally played a role in condemning her kin to their fate, yet she was also the one who had fed and cared for them throughout their bondage.

    ¡°I¡¯m so happy you¡¯re okay,¡± said Petula¡¯s husband as they laced their fingers and shared a special moment. Then the man shifted his gaze toward Daisuke. ¡°Thanks for keeping your promise.¡±

    ¡°You can thank me after we all get out of here,¡± Daisuke returned as he slowly approached Reeza. ¡°Would you like to do the honors?¡± He offered empathetically as the prison key materialized in his palm.

    Reeza¡¯s gaze quivered, tears welling up as she locked eyes with him. With a heavy heart, she bowed her head, her bangs veiling her expression in shadow. In a hushed tone, she murmured, ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you have come sooner? If you had...¡±

    ¡°Mm?¡± Daisuke raised an eyebrow. ¡°Did you say something?¡±

    Reeza quickly cleared her tears with a wan smile, shaking her head dismissively. ¡°No. Thank you.¡±

    Without delay, she set to work, using the universal key to unlock all the cells and free her people. The captives, overwhelmed with gratitude, sobbed and embraced one another, collectively thanking Reeza and Daisuke for rescuing them.

    DING!

    [The quest ?Liberation of the Florians? has been completed!]

    [115,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [The title ?The Liberator of Slaves? has been acquired.]

    [Runetablet ¡Á2 has been acquired.]

    [Reinforcement Tablet x3 has been acquired.]

    [280 gold has been acquired.]

    [Level Up!]

    [The Liberator of Races]

    [Rank: Legendary

    This prestigious title is bestowed upon individuals bearing the mark of a Congenial Denizen, who epitomize a life dedicated to moral integrity and steadfast advocacy for freedom and equality.

    It is reserved for those who have selflessly risked their own well-being to emancipate others from the chains of bondage, transcending barriers of race, gender, and ethnicity to embody the true spirit of liberation.

    Title Effect:

    ?? Each liberated race grants an increase of 5% to maximum HP (1/5)

    ?? Receives a stat boost for each race liberated:

    ? Florians: Dexterity +40

    ? Elves: Agility +0

    ? Dwarves: Strength +0

    ? Beastfolk: Critical Damage +0

    ? Goliaths: Defense +0

    ?? Grants the power to teleport rescued slaves, be it individuals or groups, to a designated location. However, this ability cannot be employed on the same target more than once.]

    Another legendary title? Daisuke¡¯s internal voice echoed with disbelief. That¡¯s insane! Florians, Elves, Dwarves, Beastfolk, Goliath¡ªare you seriously telling me that liberating all five races will grant a 30% increase in HP? That¡¯s nuts! And if gaining 40 points in Dexterity from helping the Florians is any indication, could I expect similar boosts in Agility, Strength, Critical Damage, and Defense? That 40 points in Dexterity alone is like the equivalent of gaining 40 levels!The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 32 | EXP: 29,804/160,000 (18.62%)

    Class: Dual Blader

    Affiliation: Adventurers¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter, The Liberator of Races

    HP: 4516/4516 | MP: 553/553

    Strength: 83 (+21) | Stamina: 129 (+22) | Agility: 155 (+35) | Intelligence: 42 (+10) | Dexterity: 35 (+75) | Composure: 24 | Indomitable: 14 | Perception: 5

    Stat Points: 0]

    Currently, I¡¯m gaining an additional 5% HP from the Stygian Abyss, and another 5% from the new title¡ªbringing it to a total of 4516, Daisuke mused, his thoughts racing ahead to the possibilities. So, how much can I expect with an extra 20%?

    Instead of attempting the math, Daisuke shifted his focus to the Agate Magic Bag that, if he recalled correctly, cost a whopping 50,000 gold at the General Store. He was already in a daze at the thought of the resale value, but when he peeked inside and saw the contents, his mouth hung open in abject shock.

    [Mana crystals (3,904lb, 11oz)]

    [Covered Carriage x4]

    [Lumber x2500]

    [156,000 Gold]

    No way! He thought while gawking at the holographic window. Forget the mana crystals! Is that¡­ really 150k?! T-This has to be some kind of glitch!

    ¡°My daughter¡­ has anyone seen my daughter?¡±

    The frantic cries of a woman searching for her child caught Daisuke¡¯s attention. Closing the translucent window, he scanned the surroundings, but he couldn¡¯t recall seeing a single child in any of the holding cells.

    Reeza, who seemed to know something, bit her lip as she listened to the woman¡¯s desperate cries. Watching her shuffle through the crowd, Reeza couldn¡¯t help but recall her own ordeal with her mother when their village was raided and pillaged by their captors.

    Her fists trembled and her eyes burned with conviction as she observed the despairing woman.

    ***

    Daisuke felt a wave of d¨¦j¨¤ vu wash over him. It hadn¡¯t been long since he¡¯d escaped the stifling confines of the dungeon, and now, as he emerged from the underground stronghold, a familiar sense of intense relief surged through him once again.

    On the rolling hills just beyond Wonderelle¡¯s towering walls, beneath the outstretched arms of a large tree, a handful of horses, graciously provided by Daisuke¡¯s patronage, indulged in peaceful grazing. Their noble forms swayed gently in the breeze, their flowing manes catching the soft sunlight.

    Tethered securely to the creatures were the four wagons pulled from the depths of the magic bag. Within their confines, the Florians savored their newfound freedom, indulging in the simple pleasure of a meal. However, amidst the chatter and the clanking of utensils, many were without an appetite, their hearts heavy with worry and longing for their missing loved ones, or for those who had perished.

    Petula and her husband were among their ranks, their faces etched with the weight of recent events. The trials they endured in Wonderelle had left scars too deep to ignore. Now they found themselves unable to contemplate rebuilding their lives in the city that held such painful memories.

    ¡°What¡¯s your next move?¡± Daisuke inquired with genuine empathy as Reeza reverently laid a flower at her mother¡¯s grave. ¡°Will you seek revenge?¡±

    At his inquiry, the taunting image of Fynch resurfaced in Reeza¡¯s mind, mocking and relentless. She shook her head vigorously, trying to banish the unwelcome thought¡ªyet, in its wake, another unsettling memory began to stir.

    The night was devoid of the moon¡¯s guiding light, shrouding the small village of Ghouldsboro in an eerie darkness.

    Without warning, chaos erupted, sweeping through the tranquil streets like a tempest. In an instant, the tranquility was shattered by the blaze of hellfire, casting the village into a nightmarish glow of destruction.

    There was no slow progression to the anarchy. The hunters came on the backs of black stallions like the breath of death, their faithful Bearhounds by their side.

    Without a moment¡¯s pause or shred of mercy, the men of the village were slaughtered, their lives extinguished for sheer sport. Meanwhile, adult females suffered a fate worse than death, torn from their homes and destined for the dehumanizing confines of brothels. The children, in turn, would be fed to concentration camps to be groomed into courtesans, laborers, or submissive pawns in the service of dignitaries.

    As the barbaric invasion unfolded, a young Reeza found herself frozen in the center of her living room, hands pressed firmly over her ears in a futile attempt to block out the harrowing screams of her neighbors.

    Simultaneously, her parents worked feverishly to fortify the feeble defenses of their modest home, hastily barricading the doors in a desperate bid for a few precious seconds of reprieve.

    BAM-BAM-BAM!

    The hammer repeatedly drove nails into a length of plywood to reinforce the front door. While her father was busy securing the windows, her mother opened a small trapdoor revealing a hidden compartment beneath the floorboards. Then she turned to daughter with a wan smile.

    ¡°Reeza, honey, I need you to stay here and be completely quiet. Do you think you can do that for mommy?¡±

    Reeza nodded her head meekly; she wasn¡¯t so much of a child that she didn¡¯t know what was happening. ¡°What about Hatice and her mom?¡± She asked wistfully, tears welling up in her eyes.

    The woman pressed her lips to a thin line, searching for the right words to say. But when a loud crash came at the front door followed by callous demands and amused cackling, she knew they were out of time.

    ¡°Bridgette!¡± the father called demandingly, then he cast his daughter a warm but fleeting glance.

    ¡°Mommy has to go now,¡± Bridgette said with urgency, ¡°remember to stay still and not make a sound. Mommy and Daddy loves you very much, sweetheart.¡±

    Reeza reached out desperately, the words that were reminiscent of an ominous goodbye fueling the motion. But before her fingers could reach, she was shrouded in pitch-black darkness.

 CHAPTER 107: Reezaâ€™s Selfless Resolve

    ¡°Mommy has to go now,¡± Bridgette said urgently, her voice trembling slightly. ¡°Remember to stay still and not make a sound. Mommy and Daddy love you very much, sweetheart.¡±

    Desperation filled Reeza¡¯s eyes as she reached out, her mother¡¯s words echoing with the finality of a farewell. Just as her fingers extended, the trapdoor closed, enveloping her in pitch-black darkness.

    Loud explosions followed, and then the muffled sound of screams and a tussle. The sudden transition to laughter made Reeza¡¯s heart fall to her toes. But when she heard the faint sobs of a woman, a sliver of hope returned.

    Moments passed in agonizing silence.

    Defying her mother¡¯s wishes, Reeza tentatively emerged from the hidden chamber. The room was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos that had preceded it.

    As she cautiously turned around, her eyes took in the devastation surrounding her¡ªthe wreckage of her home and the desecration of her cherished memories. But the heartache of that realization paled in comparison to what she saw next¡ªher father¡¯s lifeless body sprawled on the cold wooden floor.

    Reeza¡¯s knees buckled as she approached, every atom of her being rejecting the sight before her. But, despite her desperate efforts, the horrifying reality refused to vanish, etched indelibly into her memory.

    PLOP.

    A hesitant step disturbed the surface of a red liquid. As the ripples subsided, Reeza saw her reflection in the thick pool and immediately recognized it as her father¡¯s blood.

    ¡°B-Blergh!¡±

    The remnants of their last meal as a family spilled out across the floor. Drawing in a shaky breath, Reeza forced herself to her feet and began to run, her face a mess of tears and snot. She needed to escape; if she stayed in that house a moment longer, she knew the horrific scene she had just witnessed would become unquestionably real.

    ¡°Mom!¡±

    That¡¯s right¡ªher mother could make this right. Her father was strong, but her mother had always been the clever one. Reeza desperately needed her mother¡¯s comforting words, the soothing touch of her hand patting her head, and the reassurance that this was all just a very bad dream.

    WHOOSHHH!

    Outside, roaring pillars of fire consumed the houses, casting writhing shadows on the nearby trees. Motionless bodies littered the once-peaceful streets, their shocked, bloodstained expressions frozen in time.

    The serene village had been transformed into a nightmarish landscape. Reeza kept her head down as she ran, terror gripping her at the mere thought of encountering Hatice and the girl¡¯s mother among the fallen.

    The distant sound of neighing horses jolted Reeza from her panicked thoughts. Startled, she raised her head and quickly ducked behind some brush. From her hiding spot, she watched as the humans¡ªthe harbingers of death¡ªstowed their weapons and mounted their steeds, preparing to depart.

    Several of the horses were secured to large wagons fitted with metal cages. Inside were imprisoned women and children, their faces ashen and stained with tears and blood.

    Reeza cautiously crept closer, her eyes darting around desperately until she finally spotted her mother among the captives. She sighed in relief, but knew it was far too early to let her guard down.

    Trying in vain to steady her racing pulse, she observed the raucous and animated men with a keen eye. They exchanged wild tales of their brutal exploits¡ªthe number of men who had fallen by their swords and the women and children they had abused.

    Reeza bit down on her lip in anger, but stifled the emotion and bided her time. When the invaders began departing and the Bearhounds went ahead of the caravan, she sprinted with all her might and grabbed onto a robe hanging off the back of the moving wagon.

    The rope felt like razor blades against her palms as she struggled to pull herself into the wagon¡¯s bed, but she endured the pain. Bridgette¡¯s once passive expression turned to shock when she saw her daughter within reach of the predators that had taken them hostage.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°R-Reeza¡ªwhat are you doing here?!¡± she whispered urgently, a blend of relief and dread in her voice. ¡°I told you to stay hidden!¡± Her eyes darted around anxiously, fearing they might be discovered.

    Reeza¡¯s face crumpled; those were not the words she had hoped to hear from her mother. She yearned for reassurance, for her mother to tell her that this ordeal was nothing more than a very vivid nightmare.

    But those comforting words never came.

    Instead, she had an epiphany: rather than depending on her strong father and clever mother, she needed to become independent and self-reliant. To avoid the pain that had almost unraveled her closest friendship, she realized she had no other choice.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mommy,¡± she whispered, her voice trembling with a blend of determination and fear. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to save us both.¡±

    ¡°So?¡± Daisuke urged, stirring the girl from her dark trance. ¡°What do you plan to do?¡±

    Reeza turned her gaze to the mother who had been searching in vain for her daughter. Now sitting inside one of the wagons, the woman looked distraught, her eyes hollow. As Reeza watched her, she saw her own mother reflected in the woman¡¯s despair, a haunting vision that affirmed her decision.

    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll be leaving the kingdom,¡± she said slowly, feeling entirely responsible that her selfish ambitions and the dirty money they had yielded had funded her kin¡¯s misfortune. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to track down all those who were taken captive and find them a new home.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened slightly in surprise. Rather than succumbing to the vengeance he imagined was clawing away at her soul, she selflessly chose to prioritize the well-being of her people. ¡°That strength of yours¡­ it¡¯s incredible,¡± he remarked, admiring her resilience.

    Reeza blushed scarlet, evidently caught off-guard by the compliment. ¡°W-What was that for?¡±

    Daisuke slipped his hands into his pockets and turned his gaze toward the horizon. Deep down, he knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to resist the demanding whispers of revenge if he were in her position. In fact, he was still on the hunt for clues related to the masked figure he had seen fleeing his house on the night his mother died.

    ¡°I¡¯m just stating the facts,¡± he countered, his voice smooth as velvet, his butterscotch eyes glowing with a mysterious allure.

    Reeza turned away with a pout, unable to hold his gaze. ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry for everything,¡± she whispered earnestly, battling with emotions she had never felt before.

    As she was about to steal another glance at his face, she sensed a sudden blur of movement. Her ruby-red eyes snapped open in dread, and she stumbled back as a pair of jaws narrowly missed her face.

    When she looked up, she spied a familiar ball of fluff in Daisuke¡¯s hands. It snapped and flailed like a vicious beast, eager to tear her apart with its fangs and claws.

    ¡°I-Is that Zephyr?¡± Reeza stammered in disbelief. ¡°But I¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± Daisuke explained, lifting the pup above his head and meeting its vengeful gaze. ¡°It¡¯s okay, boy; she¡¯s turned over a new leaf. If you rip her to shreds now, all these people will be left to fend for themselves.¡±

    Zephyr stopped squirming, seemingly preoccupied untangling a mess of violent emotions. He didn¡¯t care about the miserable fate he had suffered; that was a byproduct of his own weakness, but he couldn¡¯t forgive the girl for making his companion despair.

    ¡°¡­Zephyr,¡± Reeza slowly approached. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for hurting you,¡± she apologized sincerely, tentatively reaching out to stroke the canine¡¯s head.

    A bite to the hand had her crouching in a corner, tending to the steaming wound.

    Daisuke smiled awkwardly. ¡°I guess forgiveness will take some time.¡±

    Reeza turned to steal a peek at the pup.

    ¡°Kyu!¡± Zephyr cocked his head to the side, fuming like a spoiled child.

    Reeza rose to feet with a sigh, then she turned to them both with a deep bow. ¡°Thank you for all you¡¯ve done. I¡¯ll be sure to repay this debt one day.¡±

    The young Florian held her posture as Daisuke approached. Her eyes widened and a blush stained her cheeks as he took hold of her hands. Without a word, he summoned the magic bag within them, imparting 40% of the gold and all the other items it held.

    ¡°A magic bag?!¡± Reeza glanced from the magic tool to Daisuke incredulously. ¡°Why are you giving me such a valuable item? I-I can¡¯t accept this!¡±

    Daisuke flicked her forehead, winning a small yelp from her lips. ¡°Help these people¡­ and learn to forgive yourself in the process. You¡¯re only Florian, after all.¡±

    Reeza accepted the warm words in stunned silence, tears welling up in her eyes. Then she began to wail. Her entire life had been a relentless struggle to be self-reliant and protect those she loved. Through all the hardships that felt like lifetimes, no one had ever offered a helping hand without expecting something in return.

    But then there was Daisuke.

    It was inconceivable that the person who had pulled her back from the brink of madness and death was a victim of her own misdeeds. Could this really be happening? Was it truly okay for her to rely on someone else?

    Daisuke stroked her head tenderly, as if answering her unspoken question. ¡°Don¡¯t try to be a hero,¡± he said, waving to Petula and her husband. ¡°Rely on your people; they want happiness and freedom just as much as you do. I¡¯m sure our paths will cross again.¡±

    ¡°Hn!¡± Reeza nodded, desperately trying to wipe away her tears.

    As Daisuke watched the caravan disappear into the distance, his thoughts shifted from Reeza¡¯s moral compass to his own. He found it unsettling how adaptable people could be.

    When he had killed the two men in the mountains of Fleecia Forest, he had been shaken to his core with guilt. But now, after slaughtering even more people, he felt nothing. Had he become desensitized to killing, or did a part of him simply justify that those he had killed were evil?

    DING!

    [You have received a summons from the Adventurers¡¯ Guild.]

    ¡°A summons?¡± Daisuke remarked, both he and Zephyr leaning in to examine the holographic screen. ¡°Ah, it must be Cleave. He¡¯s probably finished prepping the mobs I left him with.¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu~¡±

    ¡°Alrightdy then, let¡¯s head back to town.¡±

    ¡°Kyuu~¡±

 VOLUME IV: SMOLDERING HORIZON | CHAPTER: 108 Political Strife â€“ The Road Ahead

    The land of Zorno was a farmer¡¯s dream¡ªvast, fertile landscapes with manageable soil, abundant sunlight, and virtually no natural disasters. The surrounding forest provided a unique ecosystem, housing mild-tempered, carnivorous monsters that kept pests and rodent-type vermin at bay.

    Among the lush and bountiful crops that the land yielded, rice stood out as the most impressive. Thriving in the tropical climate, it flourished thanks to a meticulously controlled irrigation system that maintained the ideal water depth for the paddies.

    ¡°Phew,¡± Alaric Beaumont sighed contentedly as he placed the last paddy in the saturated soil. Then he turned to admire his handiwork, taking in the symmetrical lines with satisfaction.

    ¡°Always the perfectionist, huh?¡± another fellow teased, playfully pushing the straw hat down over Alaric¡¯s eyes. ¡°They¡¯re gonna grow either way, y¡¯know.¡±

    ¡°Says the one whose batch performed poorly last year,¡± Alaric murmured with a playful grin, earning chuckles from the other folks who had gathered around.

    The man draped an arm around Alaric¡¯s shoulder with a harmless frown, pulling him close. ¡°I thought we agreed never to mention that ever again!¡±

    ¡°Only if you stop criticizing my organizational skills,¡± Alaric challenged, raising his straw hat, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

    The man released his tight grip and spun around theatrically, like a damsel in this distress. ¡°But that¡¯s one of the few joys I have in my life.¡±

    ¡°Maybe if you mustered the courage to confess your love to Martha, you wouldn¡¯t be so lonely and miserable!¡±

    Amidst the jovial atmosphere, the farmers¡¯ laughter filled the air, their cheeks aglow with delight and their expressions radiant with happiness. Suddenly, the scene shifted as two men arrived on horseback, their leather armor proudly displaying the crest of a noble family.

    The haughty tilt of their heads and disdainful glances caused the farmers to clench their jaws shut and take a hesitant step back, except for one man.

    The messengers regarded him with a lighter shade of scorn, but as their eyes fell upon the man¡¯s bare, mud-caked feet, and the close-knit gathering of peasants around him, their expressions darkened even further.

    ¡°Lord Beaumont,¡± one of the messengers began, fighting the urge to reprimand the man for his unbecoming behavior. Instead, he reached for a scroll sticking out of his saddlebag. ¡°I bring an urgent message from Lord Ignatius Pembroke.¡±

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Alaric said dismissively, halting the man¡¯s hand. ¡°I don¡¯t care what he¡¯s offering this time. My answer will always remain the same. The land of Zorno has been in the Beaumont family for generations, and I have no intention of parting with it.¡±

    The messengers sneered, but their anger and frustration promptly transformed into smooth smiles, causing Alaric to frown suspiciously. ¡°Kindly take your leave,¡± he commanded confidently. ¡°And please inform Sir Pembroke that further messengers are unnecessary, as my decision is firmly set in stone.¡±

    The messenger scoffed, effortlessly guiding the horse with the reins to pivot it around. ¡°Your loss,¡± he murmured ominously under his breath.

    The other man¡¯s grin widened, his sidelong gaze glinting with hostility. With a swift kick, they urged their horses into a gallop, swiftly disappearing into the horizon, leaving behind a cloud of dust and an uneasy silence.

    ***

    Later that evening at the manor, Alaric savored a delightful meal with his beloved wife and their seven-year-old son.

    ¡°Are you looking forward to beginning your sword training with Commander Leopold tomorrow?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Hn!¡± The child nodded enthusiastically. ¡°I want to be strong just like Father one day!¡±

    Alaric and his wife shared warm smiles as they watched their son being gently escorted from the dining room by a female servant. But as soon as they were alone, the woman¡¯s expression turned grave.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard Lord Pembroke offered another bribe,¡± she whispered. ¡°Can we really trust him not to resort to violence?¡±

    Alaric held her worried gaze with a calming smile. ¡°Pembroke may be greedy, but he¡¯s not na?ve. With plans to conquer Wavecrest Port underway, he wouldn¡¯t squander resources on a civil war. In any case,¡± he reassured, tenderly cupping the side of her face, ¡°Commander Leopold has the soldiers on high alert, so there¡¯s no need to fret.¡±

    As dusk descended into night, the guards grew increasingly vigilant under the captain¡¯s orders. However, their vigilance proved no match for the stealth and finesse of elite assassins.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    With seamless grace, the assailants infiltrated, gliding through the shadows like phantoms. A few soldiers and attendants were unfortunate enough to cross paths with the deadly intruders, meeting their demise swiftly and silently, their lifeless forms discreetly hidden away.

    ¡°MMMMMH!¡± Alaric¡¯s eyes shot open in alarm, startled from his slumber by the sudden sensation of someone forcefully covering his mouth.

    Instinctively, he cast his gaze to the left, only to find his wife lying cold and motionless beside him on the bed, her blood stark against her pale white skin.

    Alaric¡¯s scream was muffled by the man¡¯s gloved palm, fury surging through his veins. Desperation fueled his attempts to break free, but his struggles were in vain as he found himself pinned down by several other shadows.

    The man covering Alaric¡¯s mouth shifted his mask slightly to the side, revealing himself as the messenger who had visited earlier. With a twisted grin, he leaned in and whispered, ¡°Lord Ignatius Pembroke sends his regards.¡±

    SWISHH!

    A sharp blade traced a lethal arc across Alaric¡¯s neck.

    ***

    Lunarel¡¯s throne room was a marvel of opulence and power, its high, vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate paintings depicting the kingdom¡¯s glorious history. Massive pillars lined the walls, each carved with the sigils of noble houses and crowned with golden capitals that shimmered in the light of the chandeliers overhead. The floor was a mosaic of polished marble, reflecting the light from torches and magic crystals.

    At the far end of the room, elevated on a dais, sat the king¡¯s imposing throne, a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The king himself was seated upon it, his expression an ungraceful daze. Beside him stood his trusted minister, a shrewd advisor, always close at hand to offer counsel.

    Gathered before the throne were the nobles of the realm, garbed in their finest attire. Among them stood the first prince, his posture unimpressive and his eyes meek. The assembled crowd murmured softly among themselves, the anticipation palpable.

    The minister leaned in, whispering in the king¡¯s ear. As the man straightened, the king raised a hand, and the room fell into a respectful silence.

    ¡°Thank you all¡­ for coming on such¡­ short notice,¡± he began in a monotone, his words sounding rehearsed and far from eloquent. ¡°As¡­ some of you¡­ may already¡­ be aware¡ª¡±

    Anxiety rippled through the gathered dignitaries as the king¡¯s words began to slur, his eyelids fluttering, and his body slumping in his chair. Yet, amidst the concerned murmurs, a disturbing number of them wore amused expressions, ominous smiles playing upon their lips. Among them stood a familiar noble with whom Casimir had struck a deal after allowing the man to sample his wares.

    As a few clerics and servants rushed to attend to their ruler, the minister stepped forward with a solemn expression, his worry for his monarch evident despite his efforts to maintain composure.

    Taking a calming breath, he addressed the room. ¡°Despite our best efforts, the king remains afflicted by a mysterious illness. However, our most brilliant minds are tirelessly working on a cure. In the meantime, I will humbly act as His Majesty¡¯s voice.¡±

    The prince pursed his lips uncomfortably.

    ¡°To expand on the previous statement,¡± the man began gravely, ¡°I regret to inform you that Lord Alaric Beaumont and his family were found dead at their manor last night. We believe it was murder.¡±

    Gasps rippled through the congregation, yet once more, the sentiments were divided¡ªsome genuinely shocked, others knowingly terrified, and a select few oddly amused.

    ¡°And what of his son?¡± One of the men asked, his eyes trembling with devastation. ¡°Is he alright?¡±

    The minister shook his head sorrowfully. ¡°¡­I¡¯m afraid he perished along with his parents.¡±

    The man lowered his head. ¡°No, that¡¯s¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°I assure you,¡± the minister began, his expression resolute, ¡°we¡¯ll find the monsters responsible for this atrocity and make them and their families pay the ultimate price. The Magical Forensics Guild is already investigating the crime scene. It¡¯s only a matter of time before we identify their mana signatures and trace them back to their source.

    Unfortunately, as we prepare for war, we cannot address this matter as delicately as we would prefer. With no known relatives to inherit his legacy and his only son lost in the carnage, Lord Beaumont¡¯s assets will be transferred to Lord Ignatius Pembroke, by royal decree. This includes his estate and the entirety of the land of Zorno.¡±

    Alarmed gasps and accusatory gazes shifted to Ignatius, but he didn¡¯t shrink back. Instead, he flashed an ecstatic grin that stoked both anger and fear among the onlookers.

    ¡°Lord Beaumont was a good man,¡± the minister explained. ¡°However, his lifestyle and ideologies were quite controversial. He refused to keep slaves and frequently advocated for equality, even working alongside his subjects like a commoner.¡±

    ¡°After showing such weakness, it¡¯s no surprise he¡¯s dead,¡± scoffed one of the men.

    ¡°I¡¯d wager my manor he was killed by one of his own peasants,¡± said another. ¡°Those mongrels won¡¯t hesitate to bite the hand that feeds them. You have to keep them on a tight leash, or they¡¯ll start getting ideas above their station.¡±

    The prince clenched his teeth, his fingers tightly balled into trembling fists. Yet, as he felt the suffocating energy radiating from the men around him, he slowly relaxed his grip and averted his gaze, overcome with apprehension.

    ¡°Now, now,¡± the minister raised his hand dismissively. ¡°We¡¯re not here to cast blame. His Majesty simply wished to inform you of Lord Beaumont¡¯s untimely passing and encourage vigilance, as this attack could be a preemptive strike by Wavecrest.

    Moreover, I understand some of you may be displeased with the decision to transfer Lord Beaumont¡¯s assets, but rest assured, this conclusion was reached after careful consideration.

    As many of you know, Lord Pembroke¡¯s estate borders Lord Beaumont¡¯s, and both are highly regarded as prominent farming entrepreneurs. In contrast to Lord Beaumont, Lord Pembroke has pledged to take a significant number of the surplus slaves and utilize them to cultivate the vast, untapped lands of Zorno.

    This initiative will not only resolve the immediate crisis of feeding the slaves until the supply chain is restored, but it will also create new job opportunities for citizens. Moreover, it will strengthen the production of goods for the local market and boost exports abroad.

    As we brace for our eastern campaign to besiege the port town of Wavecrest and confront the sea beast obstructing maritime trade, we are in dire need of individuals of Lord Pembroke¡¯s caliber. His visionary leadership promises to elevate our kingdom to new heights of wealth and power.¡±

    Several of the nobles, previously consumed by fear and uncertainty, now exchanged knowing glances, their expressions betraying an eagerness to receive even a portion of Ignatius¡¯s newfound influence. The minister observed them with a raised brow, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

 CHAPTER 109: The Triad of Mystique â€“ Lady Ainsworth & the Divine

    In a quiet forest glade, bathed in moonlight, a sturdy tent stood, spacious enough for three. Outside, around a crackling fire, Daisuke and Zephyr sat, enjoying a simple meal.

    Shadows danced in the firelight as they savored the warmth and each other¡¯s company. Nearby, a wooden table held the leftover ingredients from their stew. The warble of the nocturnal species could be heard all around. While Zephyr wrestled with a bone, Daisuke regarded him with a smile.

    [Name: Zephyr

    Level: 31 | EXP: 38,578/150,156 (25.69%)

    Race: Divine Beast

    Species: Wolf

    HP: 6680/6680 | MP: 1329/1329 | Attack: 269 | Defense: 157 | Satiety: 100/100 | Loyalty: 44/100

    Strength: 204 (+34) | Constitution: 96 (+30) | Agility: 120 (+30) | Intelligence: 180 (+30) | Dexterity: 75 (+30) | Courage: 42 (+30)

    Stat Points: 0]

    Nice! He gained two whole levels while he was out on his own. Sylvia and the others didn¡¯t send a return note, but since Zephyr is relaxed, everything must have gone smoothly.

    As his chain of thought trailed off, Daisuke turned his attention to his own Status Window. As he examined the numbers, he unconsciously laced his fingers beneath his chin, his expression grave, as if grappling with an existential crisis.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 32 | EXP: 29,804/160,000 (18.62%)

    Class: Dual Blader

    Affiliation: Adventurers¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter, The Liberator of Races

    HP: 4516/4516 | MP: 553/553

    Strength: 83 (+21) | Stamina: 129 (+22) | Agility: 155 (+35) | Intelligence: 42 (+10) | Dexterity: 35 (+75) | Composure: 24 | Indomitable: 14 | Perception: 5

    Stat Points: 0]

    After the fight with Ranger, he had reset his stats again and redistributed them back to normal to emphasize speed and endurance. Thankfully, he had committed the ratio to memory and allocating the points could be done in bulk, so it wasn¡¯t too much of an arduous task.

    But that was besides the point.

    There¡¯s no doubt about it, he thought gravely, tightening his grip. The Stat Reset skill is a balance breaker; it¡¯s not supposed to be in the game.

    Stats were the bedrock of a player¡¯s abilities, serving as the cornerstone that defined their strengths and weaknesses. They served as a blueprint to measure one¡¯s standing against adversaries and to strategize effectively, overcoming obstacles and securing victories.

    But in the face of the most strategic minds and the grandest plans, Daisuke remained an anomaly. With the inexplicable ability to reset and reallocate his stat points at will, he was practically equipped for any situation. At the drop of a hat, he could alter his build to emphasize Physical or Magical Attack, Defense, Dexterity, Agility, and beyond.

    But was it okay for him to have this kind of power?

    He distinctly remembered the moment when Goddess Seraphina and ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç, or the Goddess of Harmony, came to the rescue when he was about to be permanently canceled by the hands of Ranger.

    The Goddess of Harmony was already an enigma in his mind, but now with the sudden appearance of Seraphina, his confusion deepened. Two goddesses¡ªeach shrouded in mystery¡ªhad chosen to act on his behalf, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was entangled in something far larger than he had ever imagined.

    What exactly did they want from him? Were they just as involved in other people¡¯s lives, or was he just an anomaly in their plans? And more importantly, did they hold the key to unraveling the mystery of his existence?

    Setting the thought aside, Daisuke glanced down to the 100,997 gold in his possession. Just a few weeks ago, such wealth would have been nothing but a distant dream. Yet now, he had generously gifted Reeza with over 60,000 gold, a substantial amount of mana crystals, and a magic bag valued at least over 45,000.

    If his past self were to witness such a display of generosity now, he would surely be in for a shock. And if he learned that he could now afford to eat anything he desired, it would likely be enough to give him a heart attack. So why then, did the realization fail to excite his current self?

    As memories of Dusthaven wove in and out of his mind, Daisuke gained a profound understanding. Just as he had forgiven Reeza, he realized the importance of extending forgiveness to Brek and the others. Moreover, he felt compelled to find a way to guide them back onto the right path.

    Contemplating the tragedy that had befallen Reeza¡¯s family, Daisuke couldn¡¯t help but reflect on his own mother¡¯s passing and the fact that he hadn¡¯t managed to spend much time at her grave. He understood that he wouldn¡¯t be able to fully move on or enjoy his success until he sorted out his past.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    ¡°Then that¡¯s what I¡¯ll do,¡± he declared aloud, pushing to his feet. ¡°I¡¯ll return to Dusthaven to tie up loose ends before journeying to the capital to seek out a blacksmith.¡±

    Zephyr paused his assault on the bone to tilt his head curiously.

    Daisuke smiled, leaning in to tousle the pup¡¯s head. ¡°What¡¯dya say, Zephyr¡ªdo you wanna tag along and visit my hometown with me?¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu!¡± the canine responded enthusiastically, spinning around in a circle.

    ¡°Atta boy!¡± Daisuke exclaimed. ¡°Tomorrow, we¡¯ll head back into town to see what the guild wants. Then, we¡¯ll stock up on supplies before we hit the road.¡±

    ¡°Arf!¡±

    ***

    Daisuke chuckled as Zephyr struggled to lick the last bit of barbecue sauce from his nose. ¡°Can¡¯t say I didn¡¯t deliver on my promise,¡± he murmured playfully, pushing open the double doors of the Adventurers¡¯ Guild.

    ¡°Ruff~¡±

    Inside, Daisuke¡¯s gaze quickly settled on a familiar figure. Amidst the adventurers, the man stood tall and proud, his posture exuding dignity as he regarded everyone over his nose. The perpetual scowl on his face suggested he considered everyone beneath him, and he didn¡¯t even try to hide it.

    As Daisuke approached the counter, the man¡¯s patronizing gaze fell upon him. Its intensity reminded him of the man he had seen on the rickshaw taxi while he was on his way to the apothecary. The concealing cloak and the expensive armor and weapon that gleamed within confirmed it was the exact same person.

    A noble? What business could he possibly have at the guild? Surely, they have enough soldiers to deal with a few monsters on their own.

    Ignoring the man¡¯s murderous gaze, Daisuke stepped into the line at the counter, patiently waiting his turn to speak with Thalia.

    ¡°Haxks!¡± she exclaimed, her excitement overshadowed by more pressing matters. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you respond to the summons you received yesterday? This is really important!¡±

    Daisuke frowned, evidently annoyed. ¡°The last time I checked¡ª¡±

    Before he could deliver his snappy retort, the clerk seized his hand, exchanged a nod with her replacement, and briskly began leading Daisuke up a flight of stairs behind the counter.

    ***

    ¡°It¡¯s an utter tragedy, what befell Alaric and his family,¡± said Guildmaster Baldin, his voice heavy with sorrow. As he stared into his tea cup, he could almost envision the man¡¯s once-jovial expression reflected on the surface of the beverage.

    Professor Bayley¡¯s ashen gaze shifted to the girl behind the desk opposite the man, her jade green eyes somber as they stirred with a distant memory.

    ¡°Lord Beaumont¡­ he embodied the very essence of nobility,¡± she murmured, her voice like velvet despite her grief. ¡°He was patient, patriotic, and stood firmly against discrimination and needless violence.¡±

    Guildmaster Baldin nodded thoughtfully. ¡°He also embodied the true essence of a man¡ªhe paid little heed to the pretentious and hypocritical social norms of the upper class.

    Instead, he preferred rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty while building a strong rapport with his people. He was an extremely charismatic and honest man.¡±

    ¡°¡­But young Soren,¡± Professor Bayley began, his voice tinged with sadness, ¡°he didn¡¯t deserve this; he was merely a child.¡±

    The girl¡¯s eyes shimmered with emotion as she reminisced about the little boy who was like a younger brother to her. He was a beautiful soul just like his father and had a very bright future.

    ¡°Mrs. Beaumont made the most delicious cookies,¡± she confessed with a wistful smile. ¡°Soren and I would gather flowers in exchange for her to make us more cookies. She was always so kind, almost like the mother I never had.¡±

    The Guildmaster mirrored her smile, his eyes warm and nostalgic. ¡°My Elowen always dreamed of having children,¡± he said, holding her gaze. ¡°You bear a striking resemblance to her in her youth. You both exude an extraordinary radiance.¡±

    The girl blushed, her gaze dropping at the unexpected compliment. ¡°I-Is that so? Your wife¡­ where is she now?¡± she asked without thinking.

    The man¡¯s expression tightened, his lips pressing into a thin line. ¡°She¡ª¡±

    KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

    Three consecutive taps resounded on the door before he could react. With a calming breath, he exchanged a glance with his esteemed guest and Professor Bayley before signaling for the expected visitor to enter.

    ¡°A-Apologies for the intrusion,¡± stammered Thalia as she proceeded into the room with a silver-haired boy in tow. ¡°I¡¯ve brought him as requested.¡±

    The clerk¡¯s cheeks flushed with color as the young girl with coral pink hair and jade green eyes flashed her a warm smile.

    ¡°Th-Then I¡¯ll take my leave now,¡± Thalia sputtered, giving Daisuke a gentle push further into the room before bowing politely and quickly disappearing behind the door.

    Daisuke barely managed to prevent himself from falling flat on his face, his irritation mounting by the moment. Ever since he stepped foot into the building, he had been chewed out and dragged around like a rag doll without any clue of what was going on. Was anyone ever planning on filling him in?

    ¡°Care to explain why I¡¯m here?¡± he asked, doing his best to contain his annoyance, even as he scanned the room.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to believe you only recently escaped that dungeon,¡± the Guildmaster remarked, a bemused expression crossing his face.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyebrow twitched, his patience wearing thin. ¡°If you don¡¯t have anything important to say, then I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m amazed you single-handedly managed to wipe out the Mhaledictus.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s fingers stilled just before cupping the doorknob. Then he turned, his expression cautious. ¡°How did you¡ª¡±

    The Guildmaster gave a sly smile. ¡°A little birdie told me.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s forehead creased, butterscotch eyes burning.

    Professor Bayley cleared his throat, evidently more attuned to the boy¡¯s exasperation than his colleague. ¡°Information is the lifeblood of any organization. Over the years, the guild has cultivated a vast network, ensuring we have eyes and ears in every corner.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed. The fact that the guild has known and done nothing must mean that, just like the Merchants¡¯ Guild, they¡¯re a neutral organization that solely focuses on their fundamental goals.

    Still, they could have at least informed the lord of Wonderelle¡ªor, similar to Dusthaven, could it be that the lord here is also corrupt?

    ¡°You¡¯ve really outdone yourself again, young Haxks,¡± Professor Bayley praised with genuine warmth. ¡°Well done! Your progress has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I¡¯m incredibly proud of your growth.¡±

    ¡°As requested,¡± the Guildmaster said, his voice tinged with respect. ¡°In recognition of your remarkable achievement, I¡¯m pleased to announce your promotion from F-rank to E-rank. Thalia has already been informed, so be sure to visit her and update your guild card before you leave today.¡±

    Daisuke nodded. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°No, thank you,¡± the professor said, smiling as he bowed respectfully. ¡°You¡¯ve done a tremendous service for us. The Mhaledictus has been a blight on our town for far too long.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯ve got eyes and ears everywhere,¡± Daisuke said, fixing his gaze on the Guildmaster expectantly. ¡°Is there any information you can share with me about them?¡±

    The professor''s expression soured. ¡°You likely have more information than we do,¡± he admitted, frustration creeping into his voice. ¡°All we know is that they go by the name Mhaledictus¡ªa highly organized crime syndicate engaged in prostitution and slave trafficking. Beyond that, our knowledge is sadly lacking.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve consistently faced hurdles in obtaining further information, but perhaps that¡¯s about to change,¡± said the Guildmaster, his fingers interlaced beneath his chin. ¡°The group you dismantled was merely a small-time gang seeking to align with the Mhaledictus. However, we now have a lead that might provide us with substantial insight into this elusive organization.¡±

    ¡°Haxks,¡± Professor Bayley began, motioning towards the girl with coral pink hair and jade green eyes. ¡°I¡¯d like you to meet Lumielle Arabella Celeste Ainsworth¡ªshe¡¯s the princess of Lunarel.¡±

 CHAPTER 110: Royal Proposition â€“ Uprooting the Mhaledictus

    ¡°Haxks,¡± Professor Bayley said, gesturing toward the girl with coral pink hair and jade green eyes. ¡°Allow me to introduce you to Lumielle Arabella Celeste Ainsworth¡ªshe is the princess of Lunarel.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened momentarily in surprise before narrowing, a blend of caution and disdain flickering in his gaze. Following the incident with Reginald, he couldn¡¯t help but harbor a deep-seated aversion toward dignitaries.

    I suppose that clears up Thalia¡¯s awkward behavior. ¡°What could the esteemed princess of the Arcanium kingdom possibly want with me?¡± he asked bitterly, refusing to either kneel or bow, particularly to someone who appeared only two years his senior.

    Both the Guildmaster and the professor frowned disapprovingly, but before they could voice their discontent with Daisuke¡¯s disrespectful demeanor, the princess raised her hand to silence them.

    ¡°The kingdom has let countless atrocities slip through its fingers over the years that it¡¯s only natural that we would earn the scorn of the people.¡±

    To everyone¡¯s astonishment, the princess stood up and bowed deeply, a gesture of humility. ¡°This is why I am in dire need of your help,¡± she confessed.

    Daisuke raised a single eyebrow quizzically. ¡°My help?¡±

    Lumielle lifted her gaze, her eyes carrying the tranquility of a gentle breeze through a distant forest. ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± she confirmed. ¡°According to the Guildmaster, there are two separate occasions where you¡¯ve encountered and crippled the Mhaledictus.¡±

    Two occasions? Daisuke thought inwardly, instinctively shifting his gaze toward the man. How did he¡­? As he been spying on me all this time? What¡¯s his deal?

    ¡°Given your age, your achievements are nothing short of extraordinary,¡± the princess continued. ¡°Your prowess in espionage and combat is evident. With your expertise and the intelligence you¡¯ve gathered on the Mhaledictus, you would be a great help.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s frown deepened, clearly disliking the idea of becoming a civil servant. ¡°What exactly are you trying to achieve, and why should I be interested?¡±

    Lumielle¡¯s expression turned grave. ¡°The Mhaledictus has infiltrated the capital and is already entrenching itself within the aristocracy.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in alarm.

    ¡°My goal is to rally as many of the nobles as possible and purge the evil that has infiltrated my home,¡± she declared, her jade green eyes now a tempest where it had once been a gentle breeze.

    ¡°The Mhaledictus will inevitably learn of your actions and use the entirety of the kingdom¡¯s power to eliminate you. Before that happens, wouldn¡¯t it be wise for us to gather a formidable force and launch a preemptive strike?¡±

    At the girl¡¯s warning, Daisuke recalled all the threats he¡¯d received about the Mhaledictus¡¯s wrath. He wasn¡¯t na?ve enough to take that lightly. While he could attempt to run and hide if things got dangerous, the same couldn¡¯t be said for April and the others.

    If the Mhaledictus were anything like loan sharks, they would undoubtedly target his loved ones if they couldn¡¯t get to him. And if the Guildmaster could spy on him, what was stopping the Mhaledictus from doing the same until he unwittingly led them back to Elmridge Village?

    This partnership might just be my best shot at finally getting revenge against those bastards once and for all. With the kingdom¡¯s vast resources behind us, I¡¯m confident we could pull it off¡­ at least, I hope so.

    ¡°Okay, fine.¡±

    Everyone collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

    ¡°But first, there¡¯s something I need to take care of first,¡± Daisuke added, his tone firm yet respectful.

    The princess smoothed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her expression thoughtful as she considered the request. ¡°While I prefer to act swiftly before the Mhaledictus can solidify their hold on the government more than they have already, I understand this is sudden for you. Very well.¡±If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°It¡¯s settled then,¡± Daisuke affirmed coolly, striding purposefully toward the door.

    ¡°It¡¯s crucial that we maintain the secrecy of our partnership and your identity,¡± Lumielle emphasized, unraveling a crimson ribbon from her hair. ¡°Every day at noon for an hour, one of my attendants will be stationed in the guild¡¯s library on the second floor. Look for her wearing this ribbon. Whisper the phrase ¡®cutie patootie¡¯ to her, and she¡¯ll provide further instructions.¡±

    Daisuke grimaced. ¡°Please tell me that¡¯s just an example phrase.¡±

    The princess cleared her throat, a blush staining her cheeks. ¡°I happen to find that phrase rather charming.¡±

    Daisuke sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in mild exasperation.

    ¡°Please be careful,¡± Lumielle advised in a hushed tone, as though wary of being overheard by unseen ears. ¡°Rumors are already beginning to circulate.¡±

    ¡°Rumors?¡± Daisuke furrowed his brow.

    ¡°The Mhaledictus thugs are a common sight in Wonderelle, terrorizing the streets with their extortion and intimidation tactics,¡± Professor Bayley elaborated. ¡°Their absence hasn¡¯t gone unnoticed by the citizens.¡±

    ¡°The few thugs who were absent have returned and are now actively searching for clues,¡± cautioned the Guildmaster. ¡°Stay vigilant.¡±

    Daisuke pushed the door open. ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±

    ***

    Daisuke¡¯s mouth fell open. Shock had been a constant theme for him over the past week, but this time, he didn¡¯t mind since the reason was positive.

    The sprawling butchery featured rows of tables showcasing hundreds of immaculate cuts of monstron meat, hides, and other materials, creating an ambiance reminiscent of an exotic exhibition.

    ¡°It took some time,¡± Cleave announced with a proud grin as he approached the nearest table, ¡°but we managed to finish everything in just a day and a half. While we were working, several of our regular clients noticed the monsters, especially the rarer ones, and made offers to purchase both their meat and materials.

    I¡¯ve compiled notes comparing offers from the guild, as well as from local and traveling merchants, for each item. All you need to do is choose who to sell to. Additionally, I have recommendations for items that might be better suited for forging into equipment at the blacksmith.¡±

    Daisuke stroked his chin thoughtfully. It¡¯s refreshing to see that greed and capitalism hasn¡¯t run rampant in this world yet. Still, I¡¯m surprised Cleave is willing to potentially disadvantage the guild by listing competitors¡¯ prices. Mmm¡­ to establish good relations with all the merchants, I should probably distribute the sales fairly.

    After an hour of fending off unpleasant flashbacks triggered by the monster materials, Daisuke meticulously sorted through them. He carefully decided what to sell and to whom, what to keep, and what to set aside for the forge. Finally, his task was complete.

    ¡°Ahh~¡±

    Wallet-chan let out a heated sigh and struck an enticing pose, her lips parting in a sultry manner as she licked them. Daisuke had to shield his eyes from the dazzling rays emanating from her less-than-PG-friendly form. With flushed cheeks, she squeezed her thighs and tossed her flowing hair, causing her chest to sway in an dangerously seductive way. But instead of the expected ¡°boing,¡± Daisuke heard the sound of coins clinking as the acquired gold filled his inventory.

    DING!

    [103,569 gold has been acquired.]

    [Cheetaigen Mana Core has been acquired.]

    [Phantoomian Wolf Mana Core has been acquired.]

    [¡­]

    [¡­]

    ¡­204,566 gold, Daisuke murmured to himself, astonished. And that doesn¡¯t even include the pounds of mana crystals and mana cores I collected.

    [Mana Crystals (66lb, 15oz)]

    [Floor Guardian Mana Cores (15lb, 4oz)]

    [Dungeon Boss Mana Cores (0)]

    I never thought I¡¯d see the day¡­ not in this lifetime, he thought with a heavy heart, torn that this wealth hadn¡¯t come sooner. Just several months ago, I was rummaging through trash and eating scraps. I begged for work and saved every coin I could¡­ but I couldn¡¯t save her in time.

    But Brek and the others are still alive. Despite everything that¡¯s happened between us, I¡¯d feel terrible if I could help them and chose to walk away. Like Reeza, they were simply trying to survive and look out for each other.

    ¡°Thanks again, Cleave,¡± Daisuke said, scratching his cheek with a rueful smile. ¡°I feel bad having you do all that work.¡±

    The man rested his hands on his hips, tilted his head back, and erupted into laughter. When his hand slammed down on Daisuke¡¯s shoulder, it felt like being struck by a piece of lumber.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes briefly lingered on the man¡¯s hand before meeting his jovial gaze. I suddenly don¡¯t feel as sorry as before¡­

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to feel that way,¡± Cleave reassured with a wide grin, his grip akin to sandpaper. ¡°I love what I do, and you were generous enough to sell us many rare materials.

    I haven¡¯t had Venomscale monstron in a while,¡± he gushed excitedly. ¡°The meat has small traces of psychedelic properties in it, so the boys and I are going to have a field day tonight. When you have it along with Etherberry wine¡ªmmhmm!¡± he hugged himself with glee.

    ¡°Gee, sounds fun,¡± Daisuke smiled awkwardly.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to reserve an entire wing of the brothel tonight,¡± he raved, his expression brimming with anticipation. ¡°You should join us! And if you¡¯re lucky,¡± he leaned in to whisper, ¡°Thalia might agree to come along. What do you say?¡± He nudged with his massive elbow. ¡°She¡¯s a fine gyal!¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Daisuke stepped away, allowing the man¡¯s gorilla-like arm to fall from his shoulder. ¡°But I¡¯ve got plans.¡±

    ¡°Plans?¡± the man exclaimed in disbelief. ¡°What could be more important than Venomscale, wine, and women? You really are no fun,¡± Cleave murmured with the petulance of a disappointed child.

    Daisuke sighed.

 CHAPTER 111: Kaine & Miriamâ€™s Legacy

    ¡°Perfect timing!¡± Thalia greeted with a bright smile as Daisuke approached the counter. ¡°I just got done updating your guild card¡ªcongrats on the promotion; you¡¯ve definitely earned it.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Daisuke replied, whisking the license away in his inventory.

    Thalia observed him in amazement, her cheeks flushed as she nervously met his gaze before glancing away. ¡°Um, I heard there¡¯s a chance you might be leaving Wonderelle soon?¡± she murmured, fingers fidgeting with the edge of her shirt.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ at some point.¡±

    Thalia¡¯s heart sank at his confirmation, but she maintained a composed expression. ¡°Before you go¡­ would you be willing to accompany me in visiting my foster parent¡¯s grave? It¡¯s not far, just on the outskirts of town. But lately, there have been reports of bandits lurking along the road to the cemetery.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Daisuke nodded, his thoughts drifting to his own mother¡¯s grave, which he knew could use some attention and fresh flowers.

    ¡°R-Really?!¡± Thalia exclaimed.

    ¡°Sure, you¡¯ve helped me out a lot; it¡¯s the least I can do.¡±

    ¡°Thank you so much!¡±

    Daisuke turned, offering a casual wave as he made his exit. From the back of his clothes, Zephyr''s head popped out, his paw pointing at his own eyes before swiveling to Thalia, conveying a clear ¡°I¡¯m watching you¡± gesture.

    Thalia¡¯s expression settled into a poker face. ¡°This isn¡¯t going to be easy, is it?¡±

    ***

    As they traveled, Daisuke kept the Eye of Verity active, casually scanning for hidden treasures. Meanwhile, Zephyr was busy terrorizing the local monster population, which consisted solely of low-level monsters.

    An open landscape stretched endlessly, a tapestry of rolling hills and lush meadows dotted with wildflowers. A gentle breeze rippled through the tall grass, creating waves that shimmered under the warm sun.

    In the distance, a crystal-clear river wound its way through the valley, reflecting the sky¡¯s brilliant blue. The tranquility was only broken by the distant calls of birds, adding a harmonious melody to the serene vista.

    The evenings had become noticeably chillier, but the daytime remained pleasantly comfortable. It was the season for farmers to harvest their crops in preparation for winter. But instead of being hard at work doing just that, Daisuke and Zephyr came across an elderly man nervously clutching a scythe, seemingly on the hunt for something.

    ¡°What¡¯s the deal with that scythe?¡± Daisuke murmured to Zephyr. ¡°Is he an adventurer or something?¡±

    Zephyr cocked his head curiously.

    ¡°No, I think he¡¯s a farmer, but the nearest wheatfield is at least a mile away.¡±

    Moved by the kindness he¡¯d experienced from the Robinsons, Daisuke felt compelled to assist the elderly man. As he approached, he raised his hands in a gesture of peace, ensuring the supposed farmer knew he meant no harm.

    ¡°Hey, gramps,¡± Daisuke called out. ¡°Is everything alright?¡±

    The man¡¯s eyes darted from Zephyr to Daisuke before he raised his scythe threateningly. ¡°M-Monsters!¡±

    Daisuke raised his hands in a calming gesture and took a cautious step back. ¡°Easy now,¡± he said soothingly. ¡°I¡¯m not here to cause any trouble. ¡°My name is Haxks, and I¡¯m not a monster. This is Zephyr,¡± he gestured at the pup. ¡°He¡¯s harmless.¡±

    The old man obviously wasn¡¯t buying it. ¡°Of course a monster would say that,¡± he accused. ¡°You¡¯re obviously some kind of bloodsucking shapeshifter wearing human skin. My skin isn¡¯t as firm as it used to be, so why waste your time on an old man?¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s expression settled into a poker face. He¡¯s gotta be senile. ¡°If I were truly a monster,¡± he countered, ¡°would we be having this conversation right now?¡±

    The man¡¯s grip on the scythe loosened as the few good brain cells he still had actively processed the claim. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be¡­ you¡¯ve got a point there, lad.¡±

    Daisuke finally breathed and lowered his hands.

    ¡°¡­If you¡¯re not a monster,¡± the man mumbled contemplatively, his suspicions landing on a new angle of paranoia. ¡°Then you have to be a bandit! You¡¯re just trying to butter me up so that you can steal all my eggs!¡±

    Daisuke sighed noisily.

    Zephyr rolled his eyes.

    ***Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°Ah! So you¡¯re a traveling adventurer,¡± the old man mused, handing Daisuke a cup of tea after returning his guild license. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you mention that right away?¡±

    Daisuke accepted the hot beverage, his eyes narrowing. ¡°I tried, but you seemed more interested in lopping off my head,¡± he muttered under his breath.

    ¡°Did you say something?¡± the man asked, raising his gray eyebrows. ¡°My hearing isn¡¯t what it used to be,¡± he added with a slight chuckle, tapping his ear to emphasize his point.

    Daisuke took a sip of the tea and winced, the bitterness catching him off guard. The man grinned at his response. ¡°My sense of taste has been a bit off, too,¡± he grinned, a playful twinkle dancing in his eyes.

    Daisuke cleared his throat and pushed the cup aside. ¡°¡­So what were you searching for so far away from home?¡±

    The man joined his silver-haired guest at a small wooden table behind his modest home, his eyes scanning the acres of land divided between crops and livestock.

    ¡°¡­My Mariam had always dreamed of living on a farm since we were children,¡± he recalled with a bittersweet smile. ¡°Sadly, she passed away last year.¡±

    Zephyr looked up from his bone with somber eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry for your loss,¡± Daisuke offered his condolences with sincerity.

    The man¡¯s gaze drifted downwards, his fingers gently clasping the cup before him. ¡°In honor of her memory, I¡¯ve poured my heart into tending to the crops and tranquilids,¡± he confessed softly, a shadow passing over his features. ¡°But lately, a monster has been wreaking havoc on our livestock.¡±

    Daisuke frowned. ¡°A monster?¡±

    The man nodded. ¡°The wounds left behind paint a clear picture.¡±

    ¡°Is that monster what you were searching for when we met earlier?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right¡ªif that thing isn¡¯t stopped, it¡¯ll keep wiping out our livestock, ruining everything Mariam and I worked so hard for,¡± he asserted, his words carrying a blend of conviction and desperation. ¡°I can¡¯t allow everything to end without a fight!¡±

    Daisuke caught the reflection of Mr. Robinson¡¯s determination in the man¡¯s resolute expression. He was convinced that if anything endangered Diana, Dale would exhibit the same unwavering resolve and determination to address it¡ªsuch was the depth of their love and commitment to each other.

    Daisuke understood that Kaine Blackhorn wasn¡¯t Dale Robinson, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that assisting the man would be a small way to repay the couple for their kindness, even if only in a minor way.

    DING!

    [The quest ?Preserving Mariam¡¯s Memories? has been received.]

    [Preserving Mariam¡¯s Memories]

    [Quest Difficulty: C

    Kaine¡¯s wife, Mariam, had a deep connection with nature, favoring the tranquility of the countryside over the bustle of towns and cities.

    After eloping, Kaine helped Mariam realize her childhood dream of living off the land. When she passed away, he felt her presence in the fields and livestock they had nurtured together. Now, a dark entity threatens to destroy everything he has fought to preserve.

    Clear Conditions: Help Kaine banish the evil threatening the paradise he strives to protect.

    Rewards:

    ?? Affinity with Kaine +100%

    ?? EXP +35,000

    ?? 17 Gold

    Quest Failure:

    ?? Kaine will be consumed by hopelessness

    ?? Death of the livestock and crops

    ?? Sporadic hauntings by Mariam]

    Hauntings? Daisuke paled slightly. You must be kidding me, he thought incredulously as he looked up at Kaine. ¡°Do you still have the carcass from the most recent livestock attack?¡± he asked, trying to stay focused despite the unsettling news.

    ***

    In Sehreneti Online, monsters were akin to the wildlife of the real world. Among them, several species, known as tranquilids, were distinguished by their docile nature. Much like cattle, sheep, chickens, and pigs, these creatures were domesticated for their milk, eggs, and monstron.

    In well-secured enclosures, Kaine kept his livestock segregated by species. Minitaurs were a subspecies of the Minotaur. These muscular, quadruped mammals resembled bison. Though they didn¡¯t produce milk, their monstron was tasty, and their hides were remarkably sturdy.

    Horned Rabbit was a staple among adventurers, and their hide was great for making fashion accessories. Zephyr approached the enclosure and growled, but he was soon confronted by a protective Bearhound that was Kaine¡¯s own companion. The canines sniffed and circled each other cautiously.

    Woolox were a convenient blend of cow and sheep, epitomizing the tranquilid species with their exceptionally docile and social nature. They were a farmer¡¯s treasure and celebrated for their rich milk and incredibly soft wool.

    The fourth and final tranquilid that Kaine raised was the rare and elusive Mithrilcrest Deer. Majestic and as large as an elk, their monstron was a delicacy, but what farmers and connoisseurs truly coveted were the creature¡¯s antlers, made of pure mithril.

    Once a year, the Mithrilcrest Deer would naturally shed their antlers, which would then regrow. Farmers were content with this cycle, as the rarity of the antlers made them highly valuable. However, poachers lacked such patience. They hunted and slaughtered the Mithrilcrest Deer for their antlers, which fetched high prices on the black market. Consequently, the species was now on the brink of extinction.

    Without even seeing the carcass, Daisuke knew exactly what was happening. Mithrilcrest Deer were magnets for bandits and thieves; it was obvious they were mutilating the creatures for their antlers. However, as Kaine led him to the scene of the crime, what he found was a far cry from his clever deduction.

    Three Minitaurs lay motionless within their enclosure, their massive bodies rigid with the onset of rigor mortis.

    ¡°¡­They¡¯re not the Mithrilcrest Deer,¡± Daisuke murmured, somewhat dazed as he scrutinized the creatures¡¯ bodies for any visible wounds.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. All the deer are safe and accounted for,¡± Kaine informed.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyebrows furrowed in thought. ¡°Which makes it less likely to be the work of a poacher,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°Minitaurs are tuskless, unlike elephants and rhinos whose tusks are sold on the black market in the real world. So, what exactly would poachers be after?¡±

    A thorough scan of the creature¡¯s body revealed small puncture marks on its forehead and back. Surely a predator that could overpower a Minitaur would have left more prominent scars than this. Daisuke couldn¡¯t picture a Lipanthyer, Owlbear, or Bullgator leaving such small incisions when they had such deadly weapons at their disposal.

    ¡°What kind of predatory monsters roam these parts?¡± Daisuke asked.

    ¡°Nothing powerful enough to cause this,¡± Kaine responded.

    ¡°And at what time do you think the attack took place?¡±

    ¡°¡­Mmm. I suspect sometime last night while I was asleep since I didn¡¯t hear any commotion.¡±

    Daisuke cupped his chin in contemplation. Based on the development of rigor mortis, I¡¯d say he¡¯s right. Since it hasn¡¯t been too long, maybe I can find some environmental clues around.

    As he activated the Eye of Verity to survey the area, Zephyr diligently applied his keen sense of smell, sniffing the ground and the surrounding air.

    RUMBLE.

    But while they were hunting¡ª

    BOOOM!

    They were also being hunted.

 CHAPTER 112: First Kill â€“ The Green-Auraed Mob

    Daisuke activated the Eye of Verity, scanning the area for any hidden clues. Meanwhile, Zephyr focused intently, employing his sharp sense of smell to sniff the ground and the surrounding air, alert for any signs of trouble.

    RUMBLE.

    But while they were hunting¡ª

    BOOOM!

    They were also being hunted¡ª

    SNATCH!

    Daisuke swiftly snatched up Zephyr and dove to safety as an invisible enemy shot up from the earth where the pup was just standing just moments ago.

    ¡°Wh-What was that?¡± Kaine recoiled in horror.

    Zephyr looked around frantically, his nose pinpointing the general direction of the assailant while his eyes strained to distinguish any sign of them.

    Daisuke cautiously set the canine down, his golden eyes focused on a cluster of green mana that indicated the phantom was some kind of fiend. Dungeon monsters emanated a crimson red aura, while the surface dwellers exuded a yellow one. But what kind of monster would possess a green aura?

    Before he could formulate any theories, the monster let out a strident roar, shattering his concentration like an earthquake ripping through the ground. Kaine, on the other hand, remained undeterred¡ªhis love for his wife surrounded him like a protective cocoon, allowing his wrath to blossom into something fierce and unstoppable.

    Although he couldn¡¯t see the fiend, every fiber of his being told him this creature was the obstacle standing between him and the preservation of what his wife had once held dear.

    Pinpointing the monster¡¯s location by its screech, Kaine surrendered to his rage and charged in with a cry. With a wild swing of his scythe, he severed several of the creature¡¯s tentacle-like appendages, which fell to the ground and writhed like the severed tails of lizards.

    The monster emitted a pained shriek, seemingly flickering in and out of existence. Before it could be clearly seen, a tentacle lashed out like a whip, striking Kaine¡¯s stomach and sending him crashing to the ground.

    ¡°Kaine!¡± Daisuke exclaimed. Dammit!

    ¡°GRRR~¡±

    Flames flickered and crackled from Zephyr¡¯s snout as he conjured a fiery storm within his belly. But before he could unleash a torrent of flames, the fiend swiftly burrowed underground again. In the same heartbeat, several tentacles shot up from beneath the earth like metallic spears, intent on skewering their foes.

    Daisuke¡¯s sixth sense narrowly had him bending his back just microseconds before his forehead could be pierced. Zephyr, unfortunately, wasn¡¯t as lucky¡ªa few nanoseconds too slow, he took a direct hit as an appendage shot out from the ground, carving a deep gash along his torso.

    ¡°AHWRU!¡±

    The pup was sent soaring in a high arc before crashing onto the ground. Just as a series of tentacles threatened to finish him off, Daisuke sprinted forward to the rescue.

    DING!

    [Your companion, Zephyr, has been afflicted with the poison status.]

    DING!

    [A mysterious blessing has neutralized the deadly toxin.]

    As I suspected, Daisuke thought as he fished a Small HP Recovery Potion from his inventory. There must be some special power protecting you. How else can those ridiculous stats be explained? With the poison cured, all that¡¯s left is to heal this wound.

    ¡°Rawrwu,¡± Zephyr let out a weak whine, gesturing toward Kaine as his wound slowly mended.

    ¡°Shit!¡± Daisuke cursed under his breath, his eyes fixed on the motionless farmer. Kaine was hit by the same tentacle that messed up Zephyr. If he got poisoned too, his life¡¯s in danger!If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    PHIP! PHIP! PHIP!

    Daisuke grunted in frustration as the monster¡¯s invisible appendages continued to shoot up from the ground like metallic spikes, primarily targeting Zephyr, who was cradled in his arms.

    What¡¯s up with this thing? He thought angrily. It keeps going after Zephyr! Dammit! If it wasn¡¯t for the Eye of Verity, I wouldn¡¯t be able to see a thing!

    Frustrated that its underhanded tactics weren¡¯t hitting their mark, the fiend boldly resurfaced and dispelled its camouflage.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyebrows furrowed as a serpentine monster emerged. Its round, gaping mouth, lined with jagged, saliva-coated teeth, resembled that of a leech. A pair of webbed, mole-like hands jutted from its sides, along with several tentacles ending in blade-like tips. Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed as he noted the thick purple liquid coating them.

    DING!

    [Fossorial Ekimmu | Lvl 7 | Field Boss]

    That¡¯s a Field Boss? Daisuke thought in surprise as he and Zephyr quickly split up to avoid another barrage of tentacles. No, that¡¯s not important right now. I need to quickly get rid of this thing and treat Kaine before it¡¯s too late!

    The monster appeared to have no visible eyes, yet its body shifted mechanically to follow Zephyr¡¯s every move. It was enraged that its prey was unaffected by its lethal venom, yet welcomed the challenge of a difficult hunt, especially when its meal promised to be of such high quality.

    DROOL~

    Sensing the fiend¡¯s ravenous hunger and urge to devour him, Zephyr skidded to a halt and whipped his head around with a scowl, flames flickering in his mouth. With a roar, he unleashed a blanket of fire, intent on reducing the fiend to ashes. But the creature swiftly burrowed underground once more, causing the earth to tremble as it advanced toward the wary pup.

    Zephyr¡¯s body dipped low, his eyes wide and ears perked. The canine could sense the creature¡¯s proximity through the gradual increase of vibrations beneath his sensitive paws.

    Just as the fiend neared directly beneath him, Zephyr tried to bolt, but was swiftly ensnared by several tentacles that seemed to move with a mind of their own.

    The monster eagerly resurfaced, enthralled by the prospect of its impending feast. In a chilling scene reminiscent of a horror film, a ghastly appendage slowly extended from its gaping jaws, its sharp tip seeming like it could easily pierce through metal.

    Zephyr growled and squirmed frantically as the long shaft neared his forehead with surgical precision, poised to puncture his skull. But just before he could activate Divine Armament¡ª

    SWISHHH!

    There was a blur of movement. The Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang traced a white arc as Daisuke shot across the battlefield like a bullet, appearing to slice through time and space¡ªa remarkable result of channeling all his stats into Strength and Agility.

    DING!

    [The active skill ?Cosmic Cutter? has been acquired.]

    [Cosmic Cutter]

    [Rank: Unique

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Every fiber of your being is attuned to strength and speed. Energy courses into your weapon, enabling you to unleash a devastating strike with unparalleled swiftness.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Equally distributing all Stat Points between Strength and Agility amplifies Attack by 250%.

    ?? Once used, stat allocation returns to normal, and the Stat Reset skill is locked for 6 hours.

    Mana Cost: 150

    Skill Cooldown: 24 Hours]

    FLOP!

    The creature¡¯s head slid smoothly from its elongated neck and thudded heavily onto the ground. Zephyr and Daisuke stood frozen, their eyes wide with shock as green blood sprayed from the gaping wound. Daisuke gazed down at his hands in utter disbelief, blood dripping from the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang.

    ¡­Is this kind of power really allowed inside the game? He thought as his stats righted themselves and were subsequently locked.

    DING!

    [FIRST KILL!]

    [The elusive Field Boss ?Fossorial Ekimmu? has been slain for the very first time! The player who accomplished this monumental feat is Haxks!]

    [25,200 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [The title ?One-Hit Kill? has been acquired.]

    [Battle Bow has been acquired.]

    [Copper Ore x3 has been acquired.]

    [Bronze Ore x4 has been acquired.]

    [Lead Ingot x2 has been acquired.]

    [Crystalized Poison Sac x2 has been acquired.]

    [208 gold has been acquired.]

    DING!

    [The quest ?Preserving Mariam¡¯s Memories? has been completed!]

    [Affinity with Kaine has increased to the maximum.]

    [35,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [17 gold has been acquired.]

    Brushing the notification windows aside, Daisuke hurried over to Kaine, who was likely poisoned just as Zephyr had been after being struck by the tentacles. Just in case he had any broken bones or worse injuries, Daisuke carefully turned him onto his back.

    ¡°¡­I know he¡¯s a farmer and all, but his body¡¯s surprisingly heavy and firm for an older guy,¡± murmured Daisuke as he summoned a potion from his inventory.

    ¡°Rawrwu?¡± Zephyr tilted his head curiously.

    ¡°This jerk,¡± Daisuke shook his head with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s obvious he came looking for that thing prepared.¡±

    Knowing that he would eventually encounter the fiend that was terrorizing his livestock, Kaine always ensured that he was decked out in chainmail, which did well to protect him from the creature¡¯s attack.

    As Daisuke administered the potion, his smile tightened. He found the farmer¡¯s actions admirable. Despite his weaknesses, Kaine cast aside his doubts and fears to follow the path he believed in.

    Daisuke wished he had a significant other, or that his parents were still alive, so that he could make such sacrifices for them. He regretted not being able to do more for the Robinsons during the brief time he spent with them and felt similarly about his virtual mother. Yet, he knew there was no gain in burdening himself with such regret.

    Instead, he needed to focus on the few treasured people he had left¡ªApril, Mia, Sylvia¡­ he needed to find a way to keep them all safe in a world that belittled their kind.

    Running and hiding wasn¡¯t an option that would always work; he needed power to safeguard his loved ones¡ªand he would stop at nothing until he acquired it.

 CHAPTER 113: Convergence â€“ The Coming Storm

    From the depths of his slumber, Kaine felt the gentle caress of his cheek and smelt the familiar scent of rosemary and mint. It was Mariam¡­ her presence often carried the fragrance of herbs, a testament to her loving care of the garden.

    WHOOH.

    Kaine felt his consciousness ignite like a candlewick. When his eyes fluttered open, he found himself sprawled on the surface of a serene, crystal-clear pond. Below, the aquatic life remained motionless, as if caught in a state of suspended animation.

    But Kaine¡¯s observation of this was unexpectedly brief; what truly captivated his attention was the enchanting woman kneeling beside him. She wore a warm smile, her touch as soft as velvet, and her appearance was youthful.

    ¡°¡­Mariam?¡± Kaine whispered the name in disbelief, his trembling fingers reaching for the woman¡¯s snow-white skin. ¡°Sweet pea¡­ is it really you?¡±

    His hand stilled when he realized his own skin was no longer loose and wrinkled. ¡°¡­Is this real?¡± he muttered, eyes wide. ¡°Did I get done in by that monster in the end?¡±

    Mariam shook her head with a smile, extending a hand to help him to his feet. The moment he stood up, Kaine pulled her into his arms and buried his nose in her curly hair, her small body molding perfectly into his own.

    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you,¡± he whispered in her ear.

    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you more,¡± she whispered back.

    As she pulled away and began guiding him toward a nearby garden, Kaine took a moment to survey their surroundings. The mist-laden world enveloped them in swirling fog that extended to the ceiling. It was an awe-inspiring and enigmatic spectacle that reminded Kaine of the profound, seemingly insignificant nature of his own life.

    ¡°I really did die, didn¡¯t I?¡± he murmured softly as he approached his wife, who knelt before a small garden nestled among the trees. ¡°Could this be¡­ heaven?¡±

    Mariam offered a wan smile and shook her head, her fingers brushing the leaf of a basil plant. ¡°This isn¡¯t heaven¡­¡±

    Kaine arched an eyebrow in question. ¡°Then¡ª¡±

    ¡°Honey, it¡¯s still far too early for you to be here¡­¡±

    ¡°No,¡± he asserted, his eyes wide as he spun her around and pulled her into the hard wall of his chest. ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t lose you again!¡±

    ¡°Kaine¡­ you mean more to me than our farm and the tranquilids,¡± whispered Mariam, her arms gently embracing him. ¡°If you really want to make me happy, put your health and safety first.¡±

    Kaine¡¯s eyes quivered as she pulled away and reached out to gently caress his cheek, her youthful appearance now replaced by her actual age. Reflected in her own eyes, he could also see the regression of his own youth.

    Nevertheless, his wife¡¯s warm smile remained a beacon of radiance. ¡°If you want to preserve my memory,¡± she spoke gently, ¡°then live on, and cherish the love and happiness we shared.¡±

    Before Kaine could utter a word, he felt his wife and the surreal world around them swiftly slipping away, leaving him engulfed in pitch-black darkness. Suddenly, he was falling, a roar escaping his throat as he flailed. In the next instant, he jolted upright, finding himself back in the comforting familiarity of his bed.

    Kaine looked around frantically, but Mariam and the mysterious realm had vanished from sight. Without a word, he stared down at his trembling hands, now devoid of the woman who had felt more than just a dream, and hugged himself tightly.

    Mariam¡­

    As he took a moment to secure the dark threads unraveling around his broken heart, Kaine envisioned his wife¡¯s loving face. He imagined her frowning and gently chiding him for sulking.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    She had urged him to prioritize his own livelihood over the farm. Somehow, he knew she would be much happier if he honored her wishes by sharing what they had created with others. And that¡¯s exactly what he would strive to do.

    ¡°That cheeky brat,¡± he murmured when he returned to the tranquilid enclosure and noticed Daisuke was gone. ¡°He didn¡¯t even give me a chance to thank him.¡±

    ***

    A gloved figure sat around a crude wooden desk, the light from a mana lamp barely reaching the delicate features of his face. With a neat smile, he rested his cheek in his palm, his free hand skipping through the pages of a small dairy.

    Averting his sharp gaze, he peered across the dark room toward a metallic cage. Inside were imprisoned several children. They were huddled together, battered and bruised from seemingly endless instances of torture and abuse.

    Their grumbling bellies and ashen faces were evidently amusing to the man, but their suffering couldn¡¯t compare to the misfortune he was eager to unleash upon a particular individual.

    ***

    A small town stood eerily quiet in West Virginia. It was once a thriving community¡ªnow it lies barren, with seemingly no hope of revival. Crumbling buildings lined the streets, heavy with grime and neglect. The air reeked of lost jobs and fading hope, with misery seeping from the low-rent apartments.

    Inside one of the dingy, poorly maintained units, a morbidly obese man sat hunched over a computer desk that groaned under the weight of empty soda cans and crumpled snack wrappers.

    The room was oppressively hot, the flickering light from a rundown window fan barely stirring the stale air. The man-child, clad in a flimsy tank top and a pair of stained, threadbare briefs, was oblivious to the sweat that trickled down his bloated body. His scruffy beard, matted and unkempt, clung to his double chin, framing a face that was etched with a permanent scowl.

    With a grunt, he reached for a greasy bag of potato chips, stuffing a handful into his mouth. Crumbs cascaded onto his large belly, which strained against the confines of his underwear. His pudgy fingers, slick with oil and salt, fumbled with the mouse as he navigated through Sehreneti Online¡¯s community boards.

    His eyes narrowed as he scoured the threads, searching for any topic that challenged his narrow-minded views. Finally, he stumbled upon a post that won his undivided attention. It was a crude screenshot of a silver-haired boy with butterscotch eyes and a condescending flair. Beneath the image was an interesting description by the author:

    [King_Osten: Bro, I literally just got ambushed and killed by this bastard called Haxks! He¡¯s a filthy scammer with no sense of sportsmanship! He¡¯s even threatened to spawn-kill me and my friends. He¡¯s a lowlife that deserves to experience a hundred times the misery he¡¯s made me feel. I¡¯m just an honest guy trying to enjoy SO, but it¡¯s PKers like him who sullies the integrity of the game!]

    After angrily downing an entire can of soda and then chucking it aside, the man-child pulled closer to his monitor, more interested in the contents of the comment section rather than the post itself.

    [Bald_Crusader: Dem PK bastards! ????

    Kentucky-Fried-Fish: Mmm¡­ sounds like low-key gaslighting to me ??

    SoggyWonton: Where was he last seen? You wanna tag team the sh!t out of him?

    Shane2024: I swear, all PKers should get banned!

    Hayday101: Well I prefer PKers than bots any day!

    Pinapple_Pizza: Wait a minute. Is it just me, or is this Haxks guy still rocking level one gear? You sure he''s the one who took you down?

    South-Flame: This retard seriously allowed himself to get canceled by a noob and then posted about it? What a moron! ??????

    Mighty_Saiyajin: Brah ??

    SugerRUSH: Dude¡¯s rallying the troops for his revenge ????

    MemeGod: I¡¯m game. Let¡¯s go and tear this sucker a new one!

    GottaCatchEmAll: Sounds like fun! Count me in!]

    ¡°So his name¡¯s Haxks, huh?¡± scoffed the man-child with a heavy lisp tongue. ¡°I¡¯ve been scouring both the game and the internet for you, dirtbag!¡±

    Aggressively, he reached for his grimy keyboard after navigating to his Disc0rd server that was titled ¡°Men of Culture¡±, and began typing a message in the announcements channel:

    [Found him??]

    ***

    Glistening droplets of sweat slowly trickled down large biceps and hard abs. Impressive muscles rippled beneath smooth jungle green skin as a familiar Honeywasp Orc performed a series of crouching exercises, its massive bulge shifting in its furred loincloth with every movement.

    ¡°Din-ki-doo! Din-ki-doo! Din-ki-doo!¡±

    The heated words escaped the creature¡¯s thick lips in a hoarse chant as it continued its daily regime, steam shooting from its flaring nostrils. It had been humbled by the human it absolutely adored and almost killed by another who wasn¡¯t nearly as attractive.

    In order to stay alive and protect its silver-haired soul mate, it needed to become stronger, faster, and more flexible and agile than anyone else.

    With a deep grunt, the creature removed its massive hands from its head and dropped them to the ground as it transitioned into the posture for push-ups. Its ivory tusk reflected the sunlight and its accessories flickered and chimed as its large frame moved up and down in an effort to craft a physique that would please his idol.

 CHAPTER 114: Homecoming â€“ Revelation & Despair

    [Fossorial Ekimmu | Lvl 7 | Field Boss]

    [A distant relative of Wyrms, the Fossorial Ekimmu is a rare monster known for its remarkable camouflaging abilities. It spends most of the year hibernating underground, emerging just before winter to feed.

    The Fossorial Ekimmu possesses leech-like jaws and a mouth appendage capable of penetrating skulls to consume brains, which it considers a delicacy. It also extracts fluid from the spinal column and joints, providing the essential nutrients it needs to survive the winter.]

    With a scathing expression, Daisuke dismissed the Adventurers¡¯ Monster Guide Handbook that was now updated with the description of the Field Boss.

    No wonder it¡¯s never been killed in the twelve years that the game¡¯s been online; it spends most of its time underground.

    Popping an Etherberry into his mouth, he proceeded to inspect one particular drop he had received.

    [Crystalized Poison Sac]

    [Upon being slain, the Fossorial Ekimmu¡¯s poison sac hardens into a crystal deposit that attracts mana like a magnet. The absorbed mana is then infused with the crystal¡¯s poisonous essence, becoming toxic. Simply being in close proximity to this crystal can result in poisoning.

    Can be crafted into specialized equipment or traded with merchants.]

    The fact that the Goddess of Harmony isn¡¯t going off like a siren must mean the inventory pretty much keeps the poison contained. As for the new One-Hit Kill title, it¡¯s incredibly OP¡ªand being a growth-type skill, it has plenty of potential to evolve into a real game-changer!

    [One-Hit Kill]

    [Rank: Epic

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Through keen observation, sharp analysis, and precise technique, you have begun to master the art of identifying and exploiting enemy weaknesses. This prestigious title is awarded for the ability to vanquish foes with a single, decisive strike.

    Title Effect:

    ?? Grants a 25% chance to instantly defeat an enemy at least 6 levels below your own.

    ?? There¡¯s an 8% chance of inflicting 200% extra damage on enemies that are at least 5 levels above your own.]

    Daisuke¡¯s excitement visibly dimmed as he dismissed the holographic window and turned his gaze toward a familiar tree on the outskirts of his hometown. It was the very tree under which the wagon had been parked, its bed housing the rusty cell that had served a prison until they were delivered to Percival¡¯s manor.

    Although the entire ordeal had been horrendous, Daisuke was grateful for inheriting alchemy and the Eye of Verity from Cedric¡¯s legacy. Of course, he would have been even more grateful if he actually knew how to use alchemy.

    Dusthaven hadn¡¯t changed in the time Daisuke had been away. The rolling greensward on the outskirts still kept its distance from the village, as if the settlement was under a perpetual curse. Instead, sand and dunes encircled its borders, giving it a resemblance to the desert city of Nephthara.

    Ignoring the ancient walls eroded by the relentless wind, Daisuke circumnavigated the village and entered through the west gate. Atop a lonely hill stood his mother¡¯s tombstone, abandoned and forlorn. His heart sank at the sight, rekindling waves of bottled-up sorrow and a reckless urge for vengeance.

    To curb his emotions, Daisuke kept himself busy. With a solemn expression, he knelt by the grave and began clearing away the bed of dried leaves, twigs, and weeds that encroached upon the sacred ground. Zephyr assisted, using a perfectly controlled Emberstorm to light the incense sticks Daisuke placed by the tombstone. Then the pup huddled close with a whimper, clearly sensing the waves of grief rolling off his friend¡¯s slumped form.

    ¡°Thanks, buddy.¡±Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Daisuke allowed a smile and tenderly stroked the canine¡¯s head. Then he retrieved a bouquet of flowers and a pair of rice balls and rested them down beside the tombstone. As he regarded the food he was offering as tribute, he couldn¡¯t help but compare his ability to depart with such a precious commodity compared to just a few months ago.

    If only I¡¯d gained this power sooner, he thought for what felt like the thousandth time, his gaze locked on his open palm. Our lives could¡¯ve been so much easier. But¡­ would it have been enough to take down the bastard I saw fleeing the house that night?

    ***

    The unimpressive space that encompassed the kitchen and bathroom; the large standing mirror and stained old bathtub; the screen that separated his mother¡¯s room¡ªnothing, unfortunately, was the same as he remembered.

    Daisuke¡¯s expression was unreadable as he slowly shuffled through the crude dwelling, his eyes passing over several families who had now taken up residence in the small space he had once called home.

    Hidden atop his head beneath his hood, Zephyr whimpered worrisomely as his friend tightly clasped his chest. Daisuke knew he wasn¡¯t in a position to complain¡ªthis was the slums; it was survival of the fittest and he had long up and abandoned this place. It wasn¡¯t surprising that it was now occupied by others looking for a secure place to escape the rain and the bitter cold.

    As bittersweet memories of both his virtual and biological parents flickered in his mind like the pages of a flick book, Daisuke couldn¡¯t help but think that it was probably for the best that the hut had seen a significant transformation. He wasn¡¯t sure if his heart could endure the strain that familiarity would have evoked.

    ¡°Rawrwu,¡± Zephyr murmured sympathetically.

    Daisuke heaved a wan smile as he tousled the canine¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± he whispered, more to himself than the pup.

    Reluctantly leaving the hut behind, Daisuke discreetly navigated the dreary slums until he made his way to a familiar hideout that was constructed of wood, hay, and a collection of trash.

    His heart fluttered as he contemplated how to confront the kids who had inadvertently sentenced him to a grim fate. Schooling his face into a cool, indifferent mask, he approached the structure that poorly resembled a dwelling and pulled the curtain aside.

    But the space was empty.

    The fireplace looked like it hadn¡¯t been used in weeks, but Daisuke decided to remain positive. They¡¯re probably just out on another score¡ª

    ¡°Big Brother?¡± exclaimed a young boy who was a part of the dumping-garbage-from-atop-the-roof-as-a-distraction brigade. ¡°Big Brother Haxks¡ªis that really you? It is you! You¡¯re okay! We were so¡ª¡±

    Daisuke swiftly clamped his hand over the child¡¯s mouth before he could say another word. The boy''s eyes widened, but he quickly nodded in understanding as his hero brought an index finger to his lips, signaling for silence.

    The boy breathed when Daisuke slowly removed his hand. ¡°Everyone¡¯s been worried sick,¡± he whispered, still managing to make the statement dramatic despite it being a whisper. ¡°Where were you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± Daisuke simply said, ¡°and one for another time. More importantly, where¡¯s the gang?¡±

    The boy pursed his lips at the question, his demeanor becoming visibly uncomfortable as he averted his gaze. ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard? Not long after you disappeared, the others were taken away by slave traders.¡±

    As if the confession had rekindled his sense of caution, the child looked around warily while stepping back. ¡°I¡¯m really happy to see you, Big Brother,¡± he admitted, his voice heavy with defeat. ¡°But you should run away while you can, or you¡¯ll end up as a slave like the others.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s cool mask slowly crumbled as he watched the boy retreat. As if he¡¯d lost his sense of equilibrium, he staggered backward, sliding down against the trunk of a tree. Paranoia and hopelessness churned together, forming a toxic brew within his heart, suffocating any trace of composure.

    Despite the betrayal, Daisuke couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of sympathy for the children. Deep down, he understood they were just trying to satisfy their growling stomach. In their shoes, any other group of starving orphans might have done the same.

    But no matter how deep his sympathy ran, he had no idea where the children could have been taken in the vast, unforgiving world around him. As his frustration spiraled, festering like a gaping wound, he couldn¡¯t help but contemplate his promise to protect April and the others. But was it even possible? He was just one person.

    In addition to feeling lost, Daisuke felt as though the weight of the entire world rested squarely on his shoulders. Now that he had taken revenge on those who had wronged him and Zephyr, the seething hatred that once fueled him had mostly given way to an overwhelming sense of loneliness. The one person whose death still haunted him¡ªhis mother¡ªremained a mystery. He had no idea who had been responsible for her pain, leaving him with no clear target for his remaining anger.

    What the hell am I supposed to do? He uttered inwardly, clasping his head within both hands.

    Now that most of his drive for vengeance had dissipated, he now lacked a sense of purpose.

    Suddenly, there was the soft sound of footsteps. Daisuke looked up from his slumped position to find himself face-to-face with a pair of impressive breasts, barely contained by a frilly garment. They were just inches away from his face, and his eyes widened in surprise, his cheeks flushing red.

    ¡°¡­I had a feeling it was you,¡± murmured the familiar woman with a bittersweet smile as she straightened her bend. This simple motion, of course, did interesting things to breasts.

    Daisuke frowned. ¡°How did you¡ª¡±

    ¡°There are only a few people brave enough to get this close to the hideout of the notorious Slum Sprites, especially while the slave traders are still on the prowl.¡±

    Daisuke raised one eyebrow in question. ¡°Slum Sprites?¡±

    The Perfectly-Endowed Woman who had once played the part of a damsel in distress rested a hand on one hitched hip with a smile. ¡°That¡¯s the name the shopkeepers came up with for you and the others.¡±

    Daisuke lowered his head, the shadows from his hood obscuring his downcast eyes. ¡°Seems pointless if they were going to hire slave traders to haul us all away in the end.¡±

    There was a moment of silence before Daisuke felt himself being pulled into the woman¡¯s warm bosom. He looked up to meet her empathetic, half-lidded gaze, her arms gently coiling around him in a comforting embrace.

    ¡°Everything isn¡¯t as hopeless as it seems,¡± she whispered. ¡°Follow me, I have something to show you.¡±

 CHAPTER 115: Metamorphosis â€“ Rehabilitation & Change

    Now Daisuke perfectly understood how Reeza felt. Despite her inadvertent role in the people''s suffering, they still regarded her as a saint, unknowingly worshiping her as their savior.

    Daisuke¡¯s chest tightened in distress as the slum folk gathered around him with reverent expressions, whispering words of praise, thankfulness, and relief that he had returned in one piece.

    Zephyr nestled into the torso of Daisuke''s clothes, hidden from view, as the leader of the notorious Slum Sprites was tentatively touched and caressed as if he were some mythical creature or divine being. Daisuke couldn¡¯t help but wonder if they believed he had returned to continue where he had left off¡ªstealing from the financially stable and giving to the poor.

    Suddenly, in the distance, Daisuke heard the unmistakable sounds of construction work. It struck him as a mistake; almost no one in the slums bothered to work anymore. They had long since surrendered to despair, constricted by the steely fingers of hopelessness that gripped their lives.

    And yet, it was undeniably the sound of productivity.

    Elysia, the Perfectly Endowed Woman, offered a warm smile as Daisuke lagged behind her, his eyes wide with surprise. In the rearmost section of the slums, it became clear that the farming endeavor he had introduced several years ago was still thriving.

    The sight of the flourishing crops filled him with a mix of pride and disbelief, a glimmer of hope amidst the harsh reality he had grown accustomed to. Gardens of various sizes adorned the space around the shoddy houses, each boasting a vibrant array of crops. But something had changed¡ªthe scale had seemingly transformed overnight, which shouldn¡¯t be possible.

    Initially, the few who had taken up farming faced significant challenges. They either had to risk venturing outside the village walls to fetch water from the river or ration their precious drinking water, salvaged carefully from the rain. Each drop was hard-won, and the struggle to sustain their crops mirrored the harshness of their lives.

    ¡°Then how did¡ª¡±

    TUCK-TUCK-TUCK!

    The rhythmic sound of men and women working the earth with hoes caught Daisuke¡¯s attention. They were diligently carving trenches in the ground, creating channels that led to the various residences with gardens.

    Daisuke''s expression contorted into disbelief as he took in the scene. ¡°An irrigation system? But how?¡± he murmured, struggling to comprehend the transformation.

    ¡°According to a group of children,¡± Elysia said as she guided him toward a stretch of farmland, ¡°they were chasing a shadow when it burrowed underground to escape. Shortly after, water began gushing out of the hole it created.¡±

    ¡°¡­An underground reservoir,¡± murmured Daisuke in awe. But what¡¯s this talk about a shadow?

    ¡°The villagers believe it was the work of a Guardian Spirit that shares your belief in sustainable farming.¡±

    Daisuke raised an eyebrow in skepticism. ¡°Guardian Spirit? Ideology?¡±

    The woman turned, her gaze sweeping over the sight of people diligently working to pave a path toward a better future. ¡°It may not look like much at first,¡± she said with a warm smile, ¡°but dropping a pebble into a lake creates ripples. And, with the right conditions, those ripples can grow into powerful waves.¡±

    Daisuke followed her gaze, the profundity of her words washing over him.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how much you believed in the vision yourself, but that doesn¡¯t change the fact that you took the initiative and literally gave these people the seeds to sow and build a better life. Deep down, you must have realized that stealing wasn¡¯t a sustainable solution. You understood that you needed to find a better way to help these people.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Daisuke replied. ¡°It was probably only a matter of time before the lord decided to dispose of us¡ªand, if anything were to happen to me or the troop, I wanted the people to be able to stand on their own.¡±

    Without a word, he approached the clear pool that had formed from the water vein and gently touched his finger to the cool surface. The water shimmered under his touch, and for a moment, he felt a connection to the life it nurtured.

    DING!

    [Aquessence is the purest form of water, drawn from a hidden underground aquifer untouched by time. This crystal-clear liquid has been naturally infused with the energy of an Aether Field¡ªa mystical force that eradicates all impurities and contaminants at the molecular level. The result is a water so pristine and rich in vital minerals and oxygen that it shimmers with an almost ethereal glow.]Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    Again, I have no idea what an Aether Field is, but it seems my sacrifices weren¡¯t in vain after all. More people have started to farm now that they¡¯ve seen the benefits for themselves. If this continues, fewer mouths will go hungry.

    As this realization brought a smile to Daisuke¡¯s face, Elysia approached and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. ¡°There¡¯s someone I want you to meet.¡±

    ***

    Daisuke¡¯s gaze followed Elysia as she came to a stop. In the field ahead, a man dressed in a hooded cloak was busy tilling the land, flanked by two others who worked diligently alongside him. A gentle breeze caught their thick garments, billowing just enough for Daisuke to catch a glimpse of the heavy armor concealed beneath.

    Elysia watched in alarm as his eyes suddenly narrowed into dark, dangerous slits. As his body dipped low, poised either for a defensive or offensive maneuver, she quickly rested a hand on his shoulder, grounding him in the moment.

    ¡°Wait, it¡¯s not what you think!¡± She admitted urgently, a gasp escaping her lips as the boy snapped his head around, his razor-sharp gaze burning into hers.

    ¡°Dusthaven¡¯s lord and two of his strongest guards are standing right in front of me,¡± Daisuke retorted with a sneer. ¡°What¡¯s there to misunderstand?¡±

    When the man pulled back his hood and bowed deeply, Daisuke''s eyes widened in surprise, and his shoulders relaxed just a fraction. With a discerning gaze, he scrutinized the older man, who could easily have been mistaken for a dwarf. A pair of sincere eyes peeked out from beneath a dense curtain of facial hair, and his demeanor was calm and pleasant, exuding a sense of genuine respect.

    Daisuke had honestly expected a sly, pompous miscreant who wanted nothing more than to eradicate both him and everyone else who dwelled in the slums. But instead¡ª

    ¡°So, you¡¯re the infamous leader of the Slum Sprites,¡± the man said, a warm smile spreading across his face as he lifted his chin, his eyes gleaming with kindness. ¡°First and foremost, I want to express my sincerest gratitude for everything you¡¯ve done.¡±

    Daisuke frowned. ¡°¡­Gratitude? For stealing?¡±

    The man took a step forward, his vassals standing behind him like silent statues. ¡°Hunger and despair can change people,¡± he said, his voice low and compassionate as he crouched down to gently flip over a beetle that had found itself stuck on its back. ¡°You selflessly did what you had to do to keep everyone fed.¡± He paused, looking up with sincerity in his eyes. ¡°What truly matters is that you never took more than you needed, nor did you resort to excessive violence.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°Wait. How did you¡ª¡±

    ¡°And you never had any intention of prolonging that lifestyle,¡± added Elysia, which clarified how the village lord had come into possession of such insight. ¡°You were always searching for solutions to make the people of the slums become self-sufficient. Eventually, you set your sights on agriculture.¡±

    As the beetle took flight, the man shifted his attention to the people tirelessly tilling the fields, his gaze filled with veneration and empathy. ¡°While I care deeply for the people of the slums and desperately wanted to offer aid,¡± he said, his voice heavy with regret, ¡°there was nothing I could do.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s forehead crinkled quizzically.

    ¡°Dusthaven has been plagued by a decade-long drought,¡± Elysia explained, her brow furrowing with concern. ¡°And the lakes and rivers just outside the village are haunted by fierce monsters. Lord Chadrick¡ª¡±

    Daisuke raised one eyebrow teasingly. ¡°Lord Chadrick, huh? So you both are on a first-name basis now?¡±

    Elysia¡¯s eyes widened, her cheeks flushing bright crimson. Lord Chadrick cleared his throat, evidently flustered by the statement. One of the guards failed to stifle a giggle, which promptly earned him a sneer and an armored elbow to the side by his companion.

    When the heat subsided from her cheeks, Elysia confidently turned toward Daisuke again. ¡°Considering the water shortages and the constant threat of monsters outside the village, Lord Rotherham would likely upset the villagers if he shifted his focus toward anything else.¡±

    Daisuke cupped his chin, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. ¡°That¡¯s a valid point. Despite their circumstances, the villagers are always working hard to make ends meet. They¡¯d be pissed if their taxes went to supporting a group of people who¡¯ve essentially given up on themselves.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right,¡± Lord Chadrick agreed, nodding firmly. ¡°I knew for certain that offering aid could easily spark civil unrest. And so, Haxks, I¡¯m deeply grateful that you were the one to inspire the people of the slums to become productive once again.¡±

    Daisuke and Elysia followed the man¡¯s warm gaze as he spoke. The unfortunate folk who had once been emaciated and bound by despair were now engaged in pleasant conversations as they happily toiled away in the fields.

    Children, once deprived of energy and burdened with ashen eyes, now sang and played, their laughter ringing through the air. Nearby, those with a passion for cooking were enthusiastically preparing a vegetable stew with ingredients harvested from their own labor, the aroma wafting invitingly. It was a scene that felt almost surreal.

    According to the lord, who regarded the people¡ªboth humans and demihumans alike¡ªas if they were his very own children, Dusthaven was on the cusp of a monumental change. After personally witnessing the renewed drive and ambition of the slum folk, he boldly suggested that the local merchants did business with them.

    Old grudges gradually gave way to the promise of profits and prosperity when the shopkeepers bore witness to the impressive quality of the crops that had been blessed by the presence of the Aquessence.

    After hosting a vote that ended favorably, the lord and the committee board initiated plans to build new houses, gradually transitioning the people of the slums into proper residential communities.

    Now the slums, once a symbol of despair and hatred, would be transformed into fertile land for agriculture, expanding the thriving farms that had already taken root.

    This new industry promised to create more job opportunities in the village, and the exceptional quality of the crops had already begun attracting foreign merchants.

    Slowly but surely, the small village was taking the necessary steps toward becoming a thriving town. As word spread far and wide, it would only be a matter of time before foreigners, drawn by the village¡¯s growing reputation, started moving in. Their diverse skill sets would bring the development Dusthaven desperately needed, accelerating its transformation into a prosperous community.

    ¡°And it was your persistence to make a difference that sparked this monumental change in the community,¡± Elysia said with admiration in her voice.

    Lord Chadrick nodded in agreement, his guards sharing his approving smile. ¡°Haxks¡­ won¡¯t you consider staying in Dusthaven and becoming my personal attendant?¡±

 CHAPTER 116: Final Farewell & The Shadow Djinn

    ¡°And it was your persistence to make a difference that sparked this monumental change in the community,¡± Elysia said with admiration in her voice.

    Lord Chadrick nodded in agreement, his guards sharing his approving smile. ¡°Haxks¡­ won¡¯t you consider staying in Dusthaven and becoming my personal attendant?¡± He asked upon resting his hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder.

    The guards exchanged surprised glances.

    ¡°Sir Fraunce, my trusted adviser, is about to retire,¡± the lord explained, his tone serious yet hopeful. ¡°Would you be interested in being tutored by him until you can take his place? I couldn¡¯t bear the regret of letting such a promising youth slip through my fingers.¡±

    Daisuke lowered his gaze, contemplating the man¡¯s proposal for a brief moment before he spoke. ¡°As you mentioned, it¡¯s only a matter of time before the village¡¯s prosperity transforms it into a town, or even a large city. And that rapid growth will undoubtedly attract the attention of other kingdoms.¡±

    Lord Chadrick¡¯s gaze narrowed at the mention of that.

    ¡°And I have a feeling Lunarel will be too tied up with other pressing matters to offer any real aid,¡± Daisuke continued ominously, recalling the peculiar arrangement he had made with the kingdom¡¯s princess.

    ¡°Right now, my priority is to acquire the power to defend myself and those around me. So, while I truly appreciate your offer, I won¡¯t be able to accept it.¡±

    The man allowed a rueful smile, his grip on Daisuke¡¯s shoulder tightening slightly. ¡°It¡¯s tough to give up on someone as smart and resourceful as you, but as a fellow man, I have to respect your decision.¡±

    Daisuke allowed a cool smile. ¡°Maybe you should consider Elysia for the role,¡± he suggested openly. ¡°She¡¯s pretty clever and resourceful¡ªquite the looker, too,¡± he said with a wink.

    Lord Chadrick stumbled back at the bold suggestion, his graceful disposition crumbling like a breaking dam. Elysia cleared her throat as she stepped forward, battling against the treacherous blush attempting to creep into her cheek.

    Without a word, the woman crouched in front of the boy, who stood a mere 125 centimeters tall, and held his confident gaze. However, his perfectly schooled mask couldn¡¯t fool her sharp feminine intuition. ¡°I know it¡¯s incredibly stressful and frustrating right now,¡± she whispered, ensuring only he could hear. ¡°But if you keep forging ahead, I¡¯m almost certain that the right answers and paths will reveal themselves when you need them most.

    All you need to do is keep moving forward and you¡¯ll know exactly what it is that you need to do. Mistakes are also a part of life, so don¡¯t allow them to be a burden¡ªuse them as a source of nutrients to grow even stronger.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes quivered, the woman¡¯s words shaking the concrete walls he had erected around himself. As she spoke, he could clearly remember what both his virtual and biological parents had said to him¡ªtheir words of wisdom resonated with Elysia¡¯s, rekindling the same emotions within the depths of his soul.

    Daisuke took a calming breath. When creating a program, he already had a clear vision of the end result. All that remained was to write a string of code with the proper formulas to fulfill the requirements. It was easy and straightforward¡ªonce you knew how to code, of course.

    However, adulting was an entirely different ballgame, and his social awkwardness certainly wasn¡¯t doing him any favors. Life had so many variables, a daunting labyrinth that left him feeling anxious and out of control.

    Unlike coding, where he had a clear vision of the end result and the formulas to get there, he faced the uncertainty of life without a roadmap. Yet, unlike code, he had the freedom to make mistakes along the way.

    As he continued to weave his own narrative, he clung to the belief that, eventually, he would discover the right path and construct something remarkable from the chaos.

    Damn it! he scolded himself inwardly. Haven¡¯t I already figured all of this out? I have a plan to amass plenty of gold. Now, I just need to grow stronger. And as for Brek and the others¡­

    ¡°Do you have any idea where the others may have been taken?¡±

    Elysia smiled, noticing the renewed zeal igniting the boy¡¯s eyes. ¡°Slave traders are typically very cautious in their movements; even they have to fear bandits and mercenaries. Your best bet is to find a reliable information broker or consult the Merchants¡¯ Guild.¡±

    ¡°Are you a member of the guild, by any chance?¡±

    Daisuke turned to Lord Chadrick. ¡°The Adventurers¡¯ Guild? Yeah.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯re aware, but the guild offers a postal service for its members. I can have someone look into the kids for you. If we find anything, I¡¯ll let you know right away. In exchange, would you mind sharing what the situation is like in the capital?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m on the road to figuring that out myself,¡± Daisuke informed.

    ¡°When you do, pay a visit to the Merchants¡¯ Guild. They collaborate with the government to provide a postal system for dignitaries.¡±

    Daisuke raised his eyebrows in surprise. ¡°I guess they¡¯re not as conservative as the Adventurers¡¯ Guild.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a guild focused on acquiring wealth and natural resources, after all,¡± Elysia explained. ¡°Having strong connections in the government is essentially a golden ticket to financial opportunities.¡±

    ¡°Spoken like someone assigned as a lord¡¯s adviser would say,¡± Daisuke teased, a playful smirk on his lips as he walked away.

    Elysia pushed herself to her feet with a playful pout, but when Daisuke thanked her and began waving his goodbye, her expression melted into a warm smile. Unable to resist the gesture, she waved back, the warmth of the moment brightening her demeanor as she watched him go.

    ¡°I¡¯ll reach out as soon as I learn anything,¡± Daisuke said to Lord Chadrick.

    The man nodded firmly, his curiosity piqued not only by Lunarel¡¯s current state of affairs but also by the prospect of witnessing the youth''s growth after several years.

    The village folk watched Daisuke intently throughout his entire exchange with Elysia and Lord Chadrick, their eyes tracking his every move as if he were some sort of deity. When he began to depart, a chorus of voices rose up, calling his name with a mixture of admiration and reverence.

    ¡°Thanks for all you¡¯ve done!¡±

    ¡°Please stay safe!¡±The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°May Goddess Seraphina bless you!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re our guardian angel! Please come back soon!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the reason my little boy is still alive!¡±

    Words of genuine gratitude and praise filled the air, creating a sweet symphony that resonated in Daisuke¡¯s heart. His spirit quivered as he listened, a stark contrast to the loneliness and depression that had once been his only companions after losing his parents.

    Neglected by his relatives and abandoned to a grim fate, he had grown accustomed to despair. Yet now, in this new world far removed from his own, he found himself loved and appreciated by these people.

    Unsure of how to respond to such warmth, he kept his head down and continued running, letting their words echo in his soul.

    ***

    Time was of the essence. Daisuke knew the longer it took for him to find a trail, the harder the overall search was going to become for the kids.

    A part of him yearned for a Gate that could teleport him to Wonderelle, but alas, Dusthaven needed to develop into a full-fledged city to possess such a convenient and invaluable resource.

    Before passing through the western gate, Daisuke paused at the solitary hill that held his virtual mother¡¯s grave. Zephyr watched quietly as his companion knelt beside the tombstone, carefully replacing the snacks that the local rodent-like monsters had likely pilfered.

    ¡°Hi mom,¡± Daisuke began, his expression not as somber as before. ¡°Sorry about earlier; I wasn¡¯t really sure what to say. But after a bit of thinking, I¡¯ve decided what it is that I¡¯d like to do.¡±

    ***

    After speaking his mind, Daisuke brushed a leaf from atop the crude tombstone and pushed to his feet, his eyes whispering one final goodbye. But before he could make his way down the slope, both his and Zephyr¡¯s radar began picking up a disturbance.

    ¡°Grr,¡± the pup growled, his hackles raised.

    Daisuke summoned the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang, his eyes flitting from left to right as he focused his senses on the vibrations underground. It can¡¯t be! Don¡¯t tell me that damned Ekimmu had a vengeful twin brother or something?!

    All of a sudden, the quaking stopped. But rather than dropping his guard, Daisuke tightened his grip around his dagger.

    BOOOOM!

    The earth exploded, and out came a small fiend in the form of a mole-like creature. Daisuke¡¯s body dipped low in pure battle-readiness while Zephyr¡¯s maw went aglow with a raging flame. But before the elements of destruction could converge on the monster¡ª

    ¡°Meow~¡±

    Daisuke stilled in his tracks as the mole transformed into a familiar feline. ¡°M-Midnight?¡±

    DING!

    [Are you sure ?Midnight? is the name you would like to assign to the Shadow Djinn?]

    Before Daisuke could even formulate a coherent thought¡ª

    DING!

    [The Shadow Djinn delightfully accepts the name ?Midnight?!]

    DING!

    [A master-familiar contract has been forged between you and the Shadow Djinn!]

    DING!

    [The Shadow Djinn ?Midnight? has joined your party!]

    DING!

    [The title ?Master of Djinn? has been acquired!]

    DING!

    [The active skill ?Shadow Veil? has been acquired!]

    DING!

    [The Stealth stat has been acquired!]

    Daisuke righted his stance and dismissed his weapon, his expression blank. ¡°Okay, so I guess from the very start, I had no say in the matter¡ªwait!¡± He froze, recalling the feline¡¯s previous mole-like appearance and how it correlated with Elysia¡¯s description. ¡°Are you the Guardian Spirit that discovered the water vein?¡±

    With an endearing ¡°meow¡±, Midnight daintily made his way atop Daisuke¡¯s shoulder, olive-green eyes drifting close as he tenderly rubbed his cheek against his master¡¯s.

    Daisuke chuckled softly, running his fingers through the purring feline''s velvety fur. Meanwhile, Zephyr looked on with clear discontent, appalled by the newcomer¡¯s audacity to claim what he considered his rightful throne.

    With an accusing growl, Zephyr bristled up and deftly made his way atop Daisuke¡¯s left shoulder, glowering at the infuriating nuisance. Midnight didn¡¯t take kindly to the canine¡¯s bitter attitude, especially when he was more deserving considering he met their master first.

    With a hiss, Midnight bristled up to mirror his new rival, his fangs bear.

    ¡°Guys! Guys!¡±

    Before Daisuke could deflate the tension, his face was caught in a violent cloud of claws and fangs. Moments later, while he managed to settle the dispute, his hair was a mess, his clothes disheveled, and his face covered in scars.

    With a sigh, he looked from Zephyr to Midnight with a poker face, clutching them by the scruff. ¡°If you two can¡¯t behave and get along, you¡¯re both going to have a time out.¡±

    Midnight pulled down his lower eyelid and stuck his tongue out tauntingly. A vein bulged on Zephyr¡¯s forehead, and he retaliated with an Emberstorm, intent on burning the pest into a crisp.

    In the nick of time, Midnight partially turned his body into a dark mist, effortlessly phasing out of Daisuke¡¯s hand and slipping into the shadow at his feet before he could be hit.

    Daisuke watched as the cheeky feline did backstrokes in his shadow as though it were in a pool of water, all while sticking out a pink tongue at a growling Zephyr.

    Daisuke sighed inwardly. I need to remind myself never to have kids.

    When Midnight submerged, evidently having his fill of mischief, Daisuke brought Zephyr to his face with a displeased gaze. ¡°Dude, you seriously need to take a chill pill; I can understand Midnight, but aren¡¯t you supposed to be a dignified Divine Beast? You know better!¡±

    Zephyr whined repentantly, but flashed a triumphant grin when he took his rightful place atop Daisuke¡¯s head; a throne he wasn¡¯t willing to share.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s take a look at Midnight¡¯s stats,¡± Daisuke said as he navigated the digital menu.

    [Name: Midnight

    Level: 30 | EXP: 42,976/140,625 (30.56%)

    Race: Shadow Djinn

    Current Species: Cat

    HP: 3500/3500

    Little is known about Djinn, except that they are warm, peaceful entities with a strong affinity for nature and the world¡¯s natural elements.

    On rare occasions, they manifest before those they favor, bestowing guidance or blessings upon them. However, unlike Companions, Djinn do not engage in combat. If a Djinn is slain, it is said to revive within seven days. Due to their mysterious nature, there are no known potions or remedies capable of resuscitating or empowering them.]

    Daisuke stroked his chin. Well, being a noncombatant pretty much explains the nonexistent stats¡ªand its HP is significantly lower than Zephyr¡¯s. I guess Divine Beasts are of a much higher class than a Djinn. Still, I¡¯m curious to see what kind of perks I¡¯ll get going forward. Are the three new skills I got blessings from Midnight? Let¡¯s see¡­

    [Master of Djinn]

    [Rank: Unique

    The Elementals, or Djinn, are as mysterious as they are fickle. They are known to gravitate toward individuals who possess unique traits or captivating personalities.

    However, those who are chosen often find themselves abandoned for reasons unknown. Despite this, forming a contract with a Djinn is a rare and remarkable accomplishment, and their blessings are highly coveted.

    Title Effect:

    ?? Elemental-based attacks deal 25% more damage.

    ?? Attack Power for weapons imbued with elemental properties is increased by 15%.

    ?? Magic Defense +11%

    ?? Magic Resistance +9%.]

    Daisuke¡¯s expression suddenly became lethargic. Despite the Djinn being bound by an official contract, he couldn¡¯t help but remember when the feline abandoned him as a child. Man, it¡¯d be painful if Midnight just up and left and took back all these awesome perks¡ªa 25% increase in elemental attacks? Magic and resistance and defense? That¡¯s amazing!

    [Shadow Veil]

    [Rank: Epic

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Allows the user to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, moving with the silence of a whisper and the swiftness of a shadow. When activated, the user becomes nearly invisible to the naked eye, their presence masked by an aura that distorts light and muffles sound. Footsteps become inaudible, breaths are hushed, and even the sharpest eyes struggle to detect them.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Reduces enemy detection range by 25%.

    ?? Increases Movement Speed by 12% while stealthed.

    ?? Attacks made from stealth have a 10% increased Critical Hit Chance.

    ?? Physical Attack and Evasion Rate are increased by 15% within dark places.

    Mana Cost: 45

    Skill Duration: 3 Minutes

    Skill Cooldown: 20 Minutes]

    [Stealth]

    [Reduces visibility and sound, making detection by enemies significantly harder. While applying stealth, you can easily bypass foes and traps, set ambushes, or launch surprise attacks without warning.

    ?? Higher values increase effectiveness.

    ?? Stat Points cannot be manually allocated.]

    Hell yeah! Daisuke exclaimed internally. This new skill and stat are amazing! Aside from concealing criminal status, these new abilities have everything the Phantom Cloak offered, and more. He smirked to himself. I was worried about losing my stealth capabilities when I upgraded my gear¡ªbut as long as I keep these perks, I won¡¯t have to worry about that anymore!

    ¡°Anyway,¡± he said aloud, reaching up to stroke Zephyr¡¯s head. ¡°Are you ready to head out, boy?¡±

    ¡°Kyuu~¡±

    ¡°Alright. Next stop¡ªthe Merchants¡¯ Guild.¡±

 CHAPTER 117: Adrian Lysander Percival

    Daisuke hung his head low as he approached. The door to the Merchants¡¯ Guild had never appeared so large and imposing. Its surface seemed to twist and shift before his eyes, exuding an ominous aura, as though it had been plucked straight from a scene in a horror film.

    But it wasn¡¯t drugs that had Daisuke hallucinating such madness¡ªit was shame. Yes, the shame of failing to pay off the measly one silver he owed the guild for his registration, a debt that had been hanging over him for well over two months now.

    Gathering what little confidence he could muster, Daisuke swallowed hard and cautiously stepped inside. Just like before, the moment he entered, the merchants in the lobby turned their heads in unison to size him up. Their gazes were filled with a mixture of disdain and curiosity.

    Ignoring their scrutiny, Daisuke scanned several of the service counters manned mostly by female employees and made his way up to the main corner where a familiar individual stood.

    Instead of a scowl and a fiery chain of dark accusations, Jean shook in surprise, her eyes wide with relief. ¡°H-Haxks!¡± She exclaimed. ¡°I¡¯m so happy you¡¯re alright! We¡¯ve been worried sick!¡±

    Daisuke, of course, shrank back in alarm. This wasn¡¯t quite the welcome he was expecting. While Jean wept like a baby, he attempted to comfort her, only to have the hysterical clerk lunged forward across the counter and hugged him tightly.

    ¡°Wahhh! Haxks~!¡±

    Daisuke cringed when he spied a length of snot bungee jump from her nose. Before he could pry her off him, she aggressively rubbed her face in his chest, smearing the nose juice all over his attire.

    Both Daisuke and Zephyr paled together at the unsavory sight.

    ¡°I¡¯m relieved to see that you¡¯re in good health,¡± came a warm and raspy voice from behind.

    ¡°G-Guildmaster,¡± Jean remarked, finally relinquishing her hulk-like grip and began wiping away her persistent tears.

    Daisuke turned around to face the old lady, his disposition remorseful, his eyes repentant. Before he could weave words of apology, the Guildmaster spoke.

    ¡°One of our merchants saw when you were approached by a shady group,¡± she informed him calmly. ¡°He wasn¡¯t there for the outcome, but we had a pretty good idea of what happened. We¡¯re just relieved it didn¡¯t turn into the worst-case scenario and that you¡¯re safe.¡±

    ¡°¡­And what exactly would¡¯ve been the worse-case scenario?¡±

    The woman¡¯s gaze darkened ominously, and Daisuke raised his hands dismissively. ¡°Okay, forget I asked.¡± Something tells me I¡¯m better off not knowing. ¡°More importantly, isn¡¯t there a penalty for missing two monthly payments on my loan? What¡¯s the damage?¡±

    ¡°About that,¡± the woman began, gesturing to Jean who gave a ninety-degree bow similar to what Daisuke had done when the loan was initially approved.

    The girl peeked up from beneath her eyelashes, her skirt barely cascading over the creamy curves of her bottom. When she spied Daisuke¡¯s expectant gaze, she clapped her hands together and tightly closed her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry!¡± She blurted out ungracefully. ¡°I kinda¡­ may have forgotten to check the rarity of the mana crystal you turned in for sale.¡±

    Jean bowed lower, the posture revealing striped panties. ¡°According to Mr. Devereux, the rarity of the crystal you had suggested it may have originated from within a Hidden Dungeon. In other words¡­,¡± her voice became small. ¡°I may have¡­ sorta short-changed you during that transaction. I¡¯m so very sorry!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Devereux?¡± Daisuke muttered, one eyebrow arched in question. But as he connected the dots, he remembered the flamboyant connoisseur with the magic monocle who wanted to purchase the mana crystal for one hundred gold. Of course, the transaction fell through when he was attacked by the four stooges.

    ¡°As compensation for this blunder,¡± the Guildmaster began, ¡°we¡¯re willing to entirely dismiss the loan and pay reparations.¡±

    ¡°Reparations?¡±

    ¡°The guild will pay seventy percent of the difference you were short-changed. This seventy percent, of course, will be based on the market price for Hidden Dungeon mana crystals.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s okay,¡± Daisuke said, raising his hands dismissively. ¡°If you¡¯re willing to drop the loan payment, then let¡¯s just call the whole thing water under the bridge. There¡¯s really no need to pay me back.¡±

    The Guildmaster smiled fondly, then she opened a single eye to peek at the canine who was surprisingly still within the boy¡¯s company.

    Young people these days were very impressionable, often quick to adopt the negative beliefs of their friends and family. It was very refreshing to see a youngster getting along with a domesticated monster or demihuman.

    Zephyr lay sprawled atop his throne, returning the sneering looks of the onlookers with a defiant glare of his own. Daisuke noticed the Guildmaster¡¯s gaze lingering on them but felt no reason to be alarmed.

    Now that he was officially a Player, people would likely assume Zephyr was a Companion, not some untamed beast ready to cause havoc. He no longer saw the need to keep concealing him¡ªat least, not here.

    ¡°H-Haxks,¡± Jean muttered sheepishly, nervously fidgeting with her fingers, her entire behavior today very uncharacteristic. ¡°Thank you for being okay,¡± she added in a small, hesitant voice. ¡°I know things were tough for you before you joined the guild¡­ and the thought of never having the chance to apologize to you was really weighing on me.¡±

    Daisuke returned a cool smile. ¡°Don¡¯t feel bad,¡± he reassured. ¡°Even if you had paid me the right amount, it would¡¯ve all gone to the thugs anyway; they took everything but the shirt on my back.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s terrible!¡± Jean exclaimed, evidently devastated.

    The Guildmaster shook her head in pity.

    ¡°Are you sure there¡¯s nothing we can do as compensation for this whole mess?¡± Jean asked again, almost pleadingly.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyebrows descended like dark clouds eclipsing the sun. ¡°¡­Information,¡± he said in a hushed tone, illustrating the importance and confidentiality of the following words. ¡°I was recently made aware that several children from my hometown were carried off by slave traders. Is there anything you can tell me so that I might possibly find a lead? Anything at all?¡±

    The Guildmaster and Jean exchanged curious glances, but before either one of them could speak, they felt a force that almost rivaled a slap in the face. Jean was mostly oblivious, but Daisuke, Zephyr, and the Guildmaster¡¯s head snapped around suddenly, their eyes narrowed cautiously.

    The unpleasant energy was emanating from a single individual outside the guild. By the way he was exerting his spiritual pressure, it was obvious he was basically asking for, or demanding an audience.

    ¡°Something tells me he¡¯ll provide far more reliable information than we possibly could,¡± muttered the Guildmaster, a single eye open.

    Daisuke turned on his heels, the gesture an abrupt farewell. ¡°You took the words right out of my mouth.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate you taking care of those thugs,¡± the Guildmaster began, evidently well in the loop about what happened to Casimir and his cronies. ¡°It really helped out a lot with business. But be careful¡­ some of these delinquents are connected with very powerful and dangerous people.¡±

    Daisuke cast both women an appreciative sidelong glance before making his way to the door. Feigning ignorance, he stepped outside, kept his head straight, and began making his way north.

    ¡°At last we meet¡­ Julian Nathaniel Langley.¡±

    Daisuke felt a spell of D¨¦j¨¤ vu¡ªthe last stranger who had brazenly called out to him in a very similar situation had completely turned his life into a living hell. This time, of course, things would be entirely different.

    With eyes narrowed to dangerous slits, Daisuke turned around to face the source of the distasteful aura¡ªa tall, slender, and handsome man garbed in a fancy navy-blue suit.

    The man smiled warmly, his neatly braided ponytail draping over his right shoulder as he gave the small kitten he was caressing a gentle pat, sending it on its way.

    Then he rose to his feet and carefully began removing his white gloves¡ªone and then the other. The task was so methodologically done that it was obvious he had some kind of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

    With a magic-trick like performance, he used a perfectly controlled fire-based spell to incinerate the pair of gloves. Then he reached into his jacket to retrieve a fresh pair.

    ¡°You¡¯re a difficult man to track down,¡± said the stranger who was yet to lift his gaze, meticulously pinching the glove to ensure each finger was resting snug in place.

    Daisuke observed the scene with little interest; he was more curious about the appellation the bastard¡ªwell, he wasn¡¯t proven to be scum quite yet¡ªhad used to regard him.

    He had hoped the false alias and all the nightmares associated with it would have gone up into flames along with Reginald¡¯s manor that night, but life wasn¡¯t always that accommodating.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I think you may have me confused for someone else,¡± Daisuke responded, failing miserably at concealing his scorn.

    ¡°Interesting,¡± the man replied calmly, finally holding Daisuke¡¯s unenthusiastic gaze. ¡°I think the slave traders¡¯ description of you is pretty accurate though.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed in enlightenment.

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, you left quite the impression on Reginald. A matter-of-fact, he was so fascinated by your performance that he offered to accommodate you within his home and¡­ teach you the secrets of alchemy.¡±

    The punchline.

    Daisuke frowned at the man¡¯s emphasis on the last word. It was becoming quite clear what this bastard¡ªyes, it¡¯s been established now that he¡¯s scum¡ªis solely after.

    The sacred art of alchemy was conceptualized in the Percival¡¯s household, and Reginald was desperately trying to rediscover and pioneer the applications of this ancient craft. It was only natural that a lot of people would be greedily watching and lying in wait for an opportunity to capitalize on such a monumental resource.

    Now that everything had quite literally gone up into flames, similar to when Cedric Oswald Percival died and took the secrets of alchemy with him to the grave, people were now coming forward and clasping at straws, desperate to find another promising lead.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Daisuke said dismissively while turning his back. ¡°But I think you¡¯ve got the wrong guy. I¡¯m just a humble Adventurer.¡±

    Without a word, the man began reaching into his jacket again. Daisuke looked to the side cautiously, his sixth sense stirring. Before he could summon the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang, the man harmlessly pulled out a small book and began flipping through the pages.

    ¡°Did you know¡­ it¡¯s pretty much the norm in the scientific community for scholars and researchers to prepare magic circles that protects their records in the event of natural disasters,¡± he informed casually. ¡°Reginald, of course, was no exception:

    Sep. 21<sup>st</sup> xxx,

    I¡¯m stumped.

    Weeks have passed without any progress. There is something amiss with the alchemical formula and I fear I may never find a solution, despite how miniscule I think it may be.

    Sep. 22<sup>nd</sup> xxx,

    Despite being absent faith, I think the gods may have just sent me a muse. It was in the form of a thieving child from the slums who goes by the name of Haxks.

    His silver hair and bright brown eyes were bizarre¡ªand despite the lies spilling from his lips, he exuded a mysterious aura that I somehow knew would be the solution to all my problems.

    Fearing that any obstructions may stifle the natural flow of the elements, I gave the child and his supposed sibling free roam of my estate. And while I awaited the universe to weave its mysterious power, I implored him to learn about the fundamentals of alchemy in the hopes that it will supplement the process.

    That was the last record Reginald managed to transcribe before we found his burned out remains in what was left of the manor.¡±

    While the man read the journal, Daisuke had schooled his face into a perfect mask, yet his fingers were balled into tight fists. Twice in his lifetime, he didn¡¯t think he would be confronted with the fact that Reginald knew the whole truth from the very beginning. It was embarrassing.

    ¡°There aren¡¯t many people in this small town with silver hair who fits your description,¡± the man asserted. ¡°So I¡¯m already pretty convinced that you¡¯re the one I¡¯m looking for.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, his patience wearing thin. ¡°Say, hypothetically, I am the one you¡¯re looking for, what makes you think I would¡¯ve learnt anything significant about this alchemy in such a short period of time?

    Today¡¯s December 9<sup>th</sup>, and the last mentioned date in the journal is September 22<sup>nd</sup>. Isn¡¯t alchemy supposed to be some kind of complicated science?¡±

    The man heaved an amused smile, not at all deterred. He could clearly remember the hidden chamber and the burnt grimoire he had uncovered in the manor, both of which he had no recollection. And, like Reginald, he knew every single square inch of the property.

    ¡°Who are you anyway?¡± Daisuke asked.

    ¡°My name is Adrian Lysander Percival¡ªthe illegitimate son.¡±

    ¡°Well, Adrian, I¡¯m sorry for your loss,¡± Daisuke said while strolling away. ¡°And for the time you wasted tracking me down. But I¡¯m not the one you¡¯re looking for.¡±

    Adrian turned to leave as well, his sidelong glance dark and malicious. ¡°That¡¯s such a shame,¡± he uttered tauntingly. ¡°Then I guess Brek, Ribbit, and the rest of the notorious Slum Sprites will have to wait patiently until I find the real Haxks Starfrost¡ª¡±

    Before the bastard could punctuate his sentence with an exclamation sign or a period, Daisuke turned on his heels like a feral beast and lunged at the menace, the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang gleaming in the sunlight.

    STAB!

    He drove the hungry blade into the man¡¯s leg, ensuring to avoid a fatal injury so that he could thoroughly interrogate the criminal afterward. But instead of blood spilling out from the wound, there was an obnoxious squeal like air escaping from a deflating balloon¡ªthen an explosion.

    BOOM!

    The bastard¡¯s body was entirely rendered to smoke, and from the billowing veil, a loud, provocative cackle erupted.

    Ignoring the annoying distraction, Zephyr cocked his nose while Daisuke activated the Eye of Verity. Amidst the receding cloud, they noted a figure concealed by mana who was making a hasty escape and immediately gave chase.

    ¡°Arf-Arf!¡± Zephyr heaved a cautious bark.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s likely a trap, but what other choice do we have?¡± Daisuke responded urgently. ¡°If he¡¯s really taken the kids hostage, then they¡¯re in trouble!¡±

 CHAPTER 118: Wiping the Slate Clean â€“ The Infamous Slum Sprites

    The chase led Daisuke and Zephyr along the back alleys of Wonderelle¡¯s eastern district. The farther southeast they went, the more dilapidated and depressing the buildings became, similar to the slums of Dusthaven.

    Finally, they halted in the doorframe of an old building that had mostly collapsed in on itself. Within its ominous confides is where the shadow had promptly disappeared.

    Zephyr whimpered, the dark entrance seeming more like the gaping jaws of an unfathomable monster rather than a doorway.

    ¡°I know,¡± Daisuke murmured. ¡°But I still need to go inside.¡±

    The pup followed close behind, refusing to let his friend enter the belly of the beast alone. The telltale of a former home and the presence of a family could be seen¡ªa small wooden table accompanied by four chairs in the dining room, dirty dishes in the kitchen, a doll made of straw left abandoned on the bathroom floor.

    The master bedroom had a large hole in the wall that was evidently man-made. The building was artistically constructed into the side of a small hill. The hole in the wall was tunneled into that hill, the path slowly curving downwards and supported by thick wooden beams.

    As Daisuke approached the treacherous path, the soft blue glow from industrial-grade mana lambs highlighted his face. ¡°This¡­ it looks like a mining shaft.¡±

    ¡°Rawrwu~¡±

    Roughly forty feet down, the slanted tunnel that was roughly two meters in width led into an expansive chamber with level ground. Large holes and mounds of dirt and rocks littered the space¡ªthese were accompanied by equipment such as hoes, shovels, and wheelbarrows.

    The scene was similar to that of the mining shaft in Elmridge Village, but instead of traces of gold, silver, and other precious materials, there were the skeletal remains of different species of humans.

    ¡°¡­This place,¡± Daisuke murmured.

    It was the catacombs of an ancient civilization, which meant this was possibly an archeological dig site. But there was no precision, delicacy, or respect in the state of the uncovered remains. It was almost like the expedition team were frantically searching for something and the humanoid fossils were just a means to an end.

    Brushing the unsettling thought aside, Daisuke briefly admired the fascinating monuments of wood and rock that decorated the ancient tomb. Then he scanned the dimly lit chamber with the Eye of Verity, but wasn¡¯t able to find a trace of the vile bastard who had lured them here.

    Before he could begin to despair¡ª

    ¡°Woof!¡±

    The hushed bark of his canine companion echoed from across the chamber. Where his visual prowess had failed, Zephyr managed to rediscover the trail with his keen sense of smell. It led into another narrow corridor that eventually fell off into a pool of water radiating a mesmerizing blue glow.

    ¡°They must have placed mana crystals inside so that no one would accidentally fall in,¡± Daisuke deduced in a whisper.

    Zephyr made some grumbling sound, likely dreading the idea of falling in when water wasn¡¯t exactly his most favorite element.

    At the same time, Daisuke assessed the area, noting the narrow ledge at either side of the pool that would allow them to shuffle past it without the need to get wet. There was also a crudely fashioned railing along the side of the wall that could be used for support.

    Without hesitation, the duo made their way toward the ledge, well aware that stalling would simply add more distance between them and Adrian, making it even less likely that he would be found.

    Before Daisuke could reach for the unimpressive railing, a silver tentacle suddenly shot out from the shimmering pool and firmly latched itself around his wrist.

    SQUISH!

    ¡°What tha¡ª¡±

    Before he could materialize the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang in his free hand, another tentacle coiled around his other wrist, holding them firmly in place. Daisuke clenched his teeth, but instead of panic or outrage, the Composure stat had him focusing the Eye of Verity into the glowing pool.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    There, he spied the upper half of a fiend that resembled a giant squid. Its lower half, which was still submerged beneath the water, was entirely translucent, rendering it practically invisible to the naked eye.

    But the Eye of Verity wasn¡¯t your typical eye; it didn¡¯t just perceive the world in colored images¡ªit was able to distinguish the various energies that made up the world, the most predominant being mana that existed within all living things.

    Then how was this bastard able to¡ª

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened with revelation when he deduced that the water, at this point, must be completely suffused with mana from the prolonged exposure to the crystals.

    Hence, in addition to the fiend being able to make itself translucent, it was also being disguised by all the mana present in the pool.

    Following this discovery, Zephyr bared fangs wrought of mana and lunged at the appendages that had his partner incapacitated. But before his fangs could find their mark, another thick tentacle shot out from the water like a speeding bullet and coiled around the charging canine.

    ¡°Grrr!¡±

    Zephyr didn¡¯t bother to squirm as he was hoisted into the air like a weightless kite. His maw dilated as a ball of hell fire stirred within. Again, the fiend was faster¡ªits beak-like jaws fell agape, firing off a series of electrified needles that struck both the pup and Daisuke.

    Zephyr let out a pained holler as he was electrocuted, then his body fell limp under the weight of the paralysis debuff that followed. Daisuke swallowed his own scream when he noted Zephyr¡¯s motionless form.

    DING!

    [You were subjected to a debilitating attack. ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing has countered the threat and preserved the integrity of your motor skills.]

    ¡°Sh-Shit!¡± Daisuke cursed beneath his breath, steam rising from his twitching body.

    When the Intimidation skill promptly failed to work on the monster, several icicle-shaped projectiles began forming in midair, aimed to strike the creature¡¯s bulbous eyeball. But the moment the Magic Missiles began forming, they quickly dissipated.

    ¡°¡­Huh?¡± Daisuke was barely able to raise his head. His eyelids had suddenly become heavy, his limbs growing weary.

    Just before the glow from the Eye of Verity vanished from his pupils, he peered down at his wrists and noted that his mana was gradually being absorbed by the monster. Zephyr was being drained, too.

    ¡°M-Mana Drain?¡± Daisuke murmured breathlessly, his eyes slowly drifting close. ¡°You gotta be¡­ shitting me.¡±

    ***

    ¡°¡­s!¡±

    ¡°¡­ks!¡±

    ¡°¡­Haxks!¡±

    Daisuke gradually drifted back into consciousness to the sound of muffled voices and persistent sniffling. Slowly, his eyelids fluttered open, and the blurred outlines of two familiar figures came into focus¡ªboth far too close for comfort.

    ¡°G-Guys! He¡¯s awake!¡±

    ¡°Haxks!¡±

    Ribbit and Garrett burst into hysterical wails before flinging themselves onto their former leader. Daisuke grunted from the impact, and then cringed as the two began smearing their snot-covered faces all over his clothes, adding to the mess already left behind by his encounter with Jean.

    ¡°I¡¯m so happy you¡¯re alive!¡± Ribbit cried, his flushed cheeks not as plump as Daisuke remembered.

    ¡°Y-You had us worried sick!¡± Garrett exclaimed, then his expression became dejected. ¡°¡­We¡¯re so sorry for going behind your back. We just¡­ didn¡¯t want to resort back to eating scraps again.¡±

    ¡°Hm! Hm!¡± Ribbit nodded in agreement, snot bungee jumping from his large nose. Without a shred of hesitation or shame, he got down on all fours and bowed his head low in apology.

    For a moment, there was silence. Garrett had his head lowered too. In the corner of the dark enclosure, Daisuke spied four kids huddled together, their expressions morose. But they too hung their heads in repentance.

    Brek stood at the front of what was beginning to seem like a metallic cage suspended above a pool of water. He had his back turned, his face shrouded in shadow. ¡°Figured you¡¯d still be alive,¡± he murmured with a hint of petulance. ¡°You never did know when to call it quits.¡±

    The accusing words were followed by an awkward silence, then the Beastkin¡¯s disposition evidently changed, his shoulders now hunched. As he mustered the courage to fish for the answer to a question that was weighing heavily on his mind, his fingers balled into nervous fists.

    ¡°April¡­ is she¡­ okay? Did she¡­ survive?¡±

    ¡°¡­She¡¯s fine,¡± Daisuke responded empathetically, not a hint of blame or hostility in his tone of voice.

    Brek¡¯s shoulders visibility tightened at the light-hearted response, his body jerking as he sobbed soundlessly. He had painfully lost his little sister to starvation when they were younger.

    Frustratingly, there was nothing he could have done at the time, but when he joined the Slum Sprites, he was determined to prevent the same tragic fate from befalling the other kids who had become something of a family to him.

    But his reckless ideals had almost cost April and Daisuke their lives. Was their livelihood worth several loaves of bread and fresh produce? Would he be able to eat again knowing that his actions had gotten them killed?

    ¡°¡­Thank you,¡± he uttered between his tears, ¡°for staying alive¡­ and for protecting April. I was a fool, and I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s my fault,¡± Daisuke returned wearily, stumbling when he attempted to stand. Ribbit and Garrett quickly assisted. ¡°When I roped you all into this, I vowed to myself that I would take responsibility. I¡¯m sorry for being selfish when mom died; I should¡¯ve been more attentive and considerate of you guys.¡±

    Bittersweet smiles spread across everyone¡¯s lips at the compassionate words. Daisuke¡¯s refusal to reprimand them was just one of the many prime examples why he was their leader, and being reminded of that just now made their recent betrayal sting even that much more.

 CHAPTER 119: The Slum Spritesâ€™ Predicament & Reginaldâ€™s Dark Legacy

    Brek cleared his tears, sniffed, and turned around with a wan smile, his eyes still red. ¡°It¡¯s a cruel twist of fate that we finally reunited, but now we¡¯re probably going to be sold off into slavery and separated again.¡±

    Ribbit farted at the import of that grim reality.

    ¡°I see some things haven¡¯t changed,¡± Daisuke murmured drearily, lacking the strength to even fan his nose.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help it,¡± Ribbit whined, snot bubbling above his upper lip. ¡°I get the runs whenever I¡¯m nervous.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you just puke and pass out like a normal person?¡± Garrett chided.

    Pretty sure that¡¯s not entirely normal either, Daisuke remarked internally, poker-faced.

    Brek stepped forward, his highly sensitive nose wrinkled in displeasure. ¡°If you don¡¯t find a way to somehow control your¡­ orifices, then forget working in the kitchen, or even in the fields, the slave traders may actually ship you off to the Colosseum.¡±

    Ribbit slumped to the floor in utter despair, clinging desperately to Daisuke¡¯s leg. ¡°No! Anything but that! Haxks! What¡¯re we going to do?¡±

    The other children inched closer, turning to their leader to weave another miracle like he always did whenever they were caught between a rock and a very hard place. But Brek knew he would merely be setting himself up for disappointment if he allowed himself to follow suit.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Daisuke reassured with a smile, struggling to maintain his equilibrium. ¡°I¡¯ll get us out of here.¡±

    ¡°You can barely even stand,¡± Brek argued, somewhat annoyed that his rival would invite even a modicum of expectation within him. ¡°So how exactly do you intend to possibly get us out of this predicament?¡±

    ¡°Whatever your method,¡± Adrian approached while nonchalantly fanning his nose. ¡°I would strongly suggest against it.¡±

    The cornered Slum Sprites watched in terror as the dashing man who had orchestrated their kidnapping stepped into the dim chamber, followed closely by the hulking brute who served as his enforcer.

    ¡°Do you see that metal sphere above you?¡±

    Daisuke, Brek, and the others immediately glanced up at the curious device in the ceiling of the cell. It was roughly ten inches in diameter.

    ¡°The bars of the cage are equipped with pressure sensors that will trigger that sphere to explode. When it does, you¡¯ll all be skewered by poisonous needles and suffer a slow, painful death.

    And if you tamper with the lock, the cage is rigged to drop into the pool below, where you¡¯ll drown like dogs. So take my advice¡ªdon¡¯t try to escape.¡±

    While everyone instinctively took a step back at the stark warning, Daisuke simply frowned at the man and his burly henchman. ¡°How exactly did you manage to find me?¡±

    Adrian causally ran his index finger along one of the metal bars of the suspended cage. ¡°After you fled the mansion, I assumed you¡¯d seek refuge in the nearest town and focus on earning money to support yourself and your friends. Joining one of the guilds seemed like your best option, so I had scouts keep an eye on both buildings.¡±

    ¡°And what made you so sure that I would choose Wonderelle?¡± Daisuke argued condescendingly. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it have been smarter to settle in another town much farther away?¡±

    Adrian regarded the blemish on his index finger and proceeded to replace his gloves. ¡°The corpses of the soldiers found at Reginald¡¯s manor suggest they were attacked by some kind of beast. This led me to believe you fled in a hurry during all that chaos, without time to grab anything of value. Without gold, how could you have managed to relocate to another town?¡±

    Daisuke frowned challengingly, much to the horror of his companions. ¡°I could¡¯ve easily made my way to another town the same way I traveled from the manor to Wonderelle.¡±

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°You mean by fleeing from monsters and sneaking around like a rat,¡± Adrian taunted with a smile.

    Daisuke snarled. ¡°What made you think the corpses weren¡¯t mangled well after I¡¯d escaped?¡±

    Adrian flexed his wrist, inspecting his freshly gloved hand. ¡°The walls of the manor are enchanted with a natural monster repellant, so we deduced that the beast somehow originated from within the manor. You wouldn¡¯t happen to know something about that now, would you?¡±

    Daisuke regarded the man with undisguised loathing. You can try to justify it all you want, but I¡¯m not buying it. Zephyr and I didn¡¯t notice anyone watching or tailing us, so someone we know must be feeding information to these scumbags.

    It has to be someone who¡¯s been observing us closely, studying our strengths and weaknesses for a while. My suspicions were confirmed when we were so easily taken out by that squid earlier¡ªit felt like a trap specifically set to capture us. Someone¡¯s out to get us. The question is, who? Osten? Lyanna? Finnian? Gavric?

    ¡°What exactly are you after?¡± Daisuke asked after a deep breath. ¡°Are you planning to pick up where Cedric and Reginald left off by continuing their research?¡±

    Adrian¡¯s perfectly smooth skin wrinkled for the first time, evidently appalled by the notion. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡± he rebuked. ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less about the Percival name or their legacy. Just because we couldn¡¯t complete the impossible task that was bestowed upon us, we were hopelessly condemned to a life of shame and poverty by the whims of the royal family.

    I knew my place as the illegitimate son,¡± he explained with a frown. ¡°A shadow that barely existed. But that was fine; I never cared about power or fame. All I wanted was a life of comfort and pleasure, but even that was taken from me. So, I joined an organization better suited to providing the lifestyle I desire.¡±

    ¡°And let me guess,¡± Daisuke regarded him with pity, ¡°the currency to sustain this life of extravagance is alchemy.¡±

    ¡°Bingo!¡± Adrian raised his index finger with a neat grin. ¡°You¡¯re a quick study. I like that. After the Percivals were mercilessly crushed beneath the hell of the capital, my brother immersed himself in his work.

    I didn¡¯t stick around long enough to know what he was working on, but I do know that he desperately needed funding, whatever the cost.¡±

    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t like where this is going,¡± Brek murmured.

    Ribbit farted again.

    But Garrett was too busy nervously biting his fingernails to care.

    Adrian pulled out a small glass vial from his jacket and gently began stirring the contents inside that shimmered like polished salt. ¡°Have you ever heard of mana dust, otherwise known as pixie crystals?¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s forehead furrowed quizzically.

    ¡°¡­Isn¡¯t that some kind of illegal drug?¡± asked one of the quieter boys among the group.

    ¡°Where did you learn about that?¡± asked Brek.

    ¡°I overheard one of the slave traders talking about it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Adrian confirmed dryly. ¡°It¡¯s the most popular brand of narcotic currently on the market. As you may have already guessed, it was created by Reginald.¡±

    So alchemy can be used in that way too, Daisuke thought disappointedly.

    ¡°To keep customers hopelessly addicted and remain a bar above the competition, Reginald would regularly refine the recipe. Now that he¡¯s dead, it¡¯s imperative that his replacement is found.

    And that, my friend,¡± he glared up at Daisuke, ¡°is where you come in. Now, you can either play nice and assume your appointed role, or I¡¯ll start feeding your friends one by one to a monster. No pressure.¡±

    The color instantly drained from Ribbit¡¯s face, then he farted. Garrett swallowed nervously, his eyes quivering, while the other four boys exchanged horrified glances.

    Brek watched as their feminine captor departed along with his brawny henchman. ¡°Well, forget being slaves for the rest of our lives¡ªit looks like we¡¯re all about to end up in some monster¡¯s belly by the end of day.¡±

    The children started panicking.

    ¡°Relax,¡± Daisuke reassured calmly. ¡°No one¡¯s going to get eaten.¡±

    Brek felt offended by his input, especially when he could hardly stand on his own two feet. ¡°Sure, you¡¯re not going to get eaten, but the rest of us sure as hell will. By the way, you mind explaining to me what this alchemy¡¯s all about?¡±

    ¡°Your guess is as good as mine,¡± Daisuke responded blandly before effortlessly summoning a mana potion from his inventory and chugging it down, much to the astonishment of the others.

    ¡°Wait a minute!¡± Garrett exclaimed in shock. ¡°Did you just hocus-pocus that potion out of thin air just now?¡±

    ¡°W-Was that alchemy?¡± one of the others asked.

    ¡°How the heck did you just do that?¡± Brek gushed with obvious envy.

    ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± Daisuke responded flatly.

    ¡°More importantly,¡± Ribbit pushed forward while salivating, all traces of fear gone. ¡°Could you maybe conjure up a juicy piece of monstron like you did with the potion?? I¡¯m starving!¡±

    Daisuke regarded the boy in disbelief. ¡°¡­Pretty sure our priority right now should be getting out of here alive.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, you greedy oaf,¡± Garrett reproached, elbowing him in the side. ¡°Can¡¯t you use your head instead of your stomach for once!¡±

    Ribbit clutched his aching ribs and retorted, ¡°didn¡¯t you hear that guy just now? If we attempt to escape, we¡¯ll be killed in one way or another.¡±

    Having recovered his strength upon consuming the potion, Daisuke cautiously made his way over to the lock to inspect it. ¡°Then, instead of attempting to escape, we¡¯ll get out of here the appropriate way.¡±

 CHAPTER 120: Smooth Escape - The Unforeseen Truce

    Zephyr laid sprawled out motionlessly in a steel cage, like a rug made of monster hide, a small pink tongue sticking out of his mouth. Dreary blue eyes shifted to the simple hook latch that secured the gate of his tiny metal prison.

    The average monster wouldn¡¯t know where to begin unraveling such a mechanism, but the canine wasn¡¯t your typical monster¡ªhe was a majestic Divine Beast. But unlocking his cage wasn¡¯t the challenge. His true crisis dwelled in the fact that he couldn¡¯t move a single muscle.

    After squaring off against the cephalopod monster, all of his energy was drained. The pup was so weak that even the simple task of using his nose to hoist the hook from the latch was an impossible mission.

    All of a sudden, from atop the enclosure that resembled a birdcage, a familiar purr could be heard. A dark creature could be seen comfortably perched atop the cage, a dark aura radiating from its body like smoke from burning charcoal.

    Zephyr¡¯s expression settled into a poker face as piercing olive-green eyes and an obviously smog grin stood out amongst the black canvas of its mysterious form. Its long tail was coiled around a vial containing a blue liquid, putting it teasingly on display.

    The pup¡¯s eyes popped open at the sight of the much-needed mana potion, then narrowed in annoyance when he considered the reality of not only showcasing weakness in front of the newcomer, but also being in his debt.

    Zephyr struggled with this inner conflict, but only for a moment. Appeasing his ego wasn¡¯t his top priority at this moment in time, but living up to his master¡¯s expectations and adequately playing his role in the current predicament.

    Following a sigh, the canine softened his gaze¡ªa signal of appreciation and perhaps a truce. Midnight¡¯s grin widened in response, his pearly white teeth in stark contrast to his jet-black form. With undisguised delight, the Djinn inched closer and maneuvered his tail between the bars of the cage.

    Conjuring the dregs of his strength, Zephyr locked his jaws around the cork of the vial. While Midnight held the container in place, he yanked the cork free and proceeded to lap up the bright blue liquid that spilled out onto the floor.

    Within moments, the pup could feel a surge of rejuvenating energy flooding his body. His once empty mana core was quickly replenished, which rekindled the strength in his limbs. When he pushed to all fours, his tiny body firm and energized, oceanic eyes narrowed in commitment, he belatedly noted Midnight perched arrogantly on his back.

    Then his expression became sour.

    ***

    A small bonfire suffused the subterranean chamber with a soothing warmth. The hired mercenaries sat around it, their carefully placed kebabs stuffed with monstron and vegetables. While their hearty meal was being roasted, they laughed merrily while sharing wild tales and delicious wine.

    For them, however, the most enticing recreational activity was undoubtedly centered around a metal device resembling a smoking pipe. Inside, a familiar crystal sat nestled, releasing silvery blue smoke that curled into the air.

    One man¡¯s eyes rolled back as he took a deep puff, an ecstatic expression slowly twisting his face as he held the smoke inside his lungs.

    For mercenaries like him, a slice of this euphoria was all the payment he needed to take on assignments. No job was too simple, dangerous, or ridiculous once he could acquire his share of pixie crystals.

    As a delicious wave of mana surged through his brain, stimulating his neurotransmitters to flood his mind with relentless pleasure, reward, and an overwhelming sense of contentment, the man leaned against the cave wall. To him, it felt as soft and inviting as a plush mattress beneath his back.

    From his shadow cast on the ground, Midnight nonchalantly slinked out as if crawling from within a hole. The man observed the curious creature with a passive gaze, too intoxicated to care.

    But when the mysterious feline secretly offered him a pair of seeds and a bead, the man quickly accepted the gifts, desperate to ascend to a higher plane of euphoria.

    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    In the brief moment it took to inspect the items in his hand and glance back at the feline, it had vanished. Hoping that one of his more sober and capable comrades could decipher the items and prepare them for an even greater high, he quickly handed them off to someone else.

    ¡°Whasdaah?¡± Slurred one of the men as he gawked at the items in hand.

    ¡°Tha¡¯ heck¡¯s¡­ this shit?¡± Murmured another.

    ¡°¡­A seed?¡± Commented a third man. ¡°Do we just¡­ grind it into the pipe or what?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re running low on dust,¡± grumbled the fourth man. ¡°So you¡­ maggots better figure it out¡­ quick!¡±

    A moment later, they figured it out¡ªbut the gifts didn¡¯t bring the dopamine rush the mercenaries were hoping for. Instead, the Lightning Bead electrocuted them, lighting them up like a Christmas tree.

    While they were still steaming and twitching from the paralysis debuff, the Bramble Seeds unraveled, their thorned vines coiling around the men like vicious serpents.

    Their stifled howls echoed through the dark chamber as Physical Damage, Bleed, and Poison debuffs took hold, triggering a far more unpleasant chemical reaction in their brains. When the powerful vines finally withered and disintegrated, the mercenaries collapsed to the floor, stiff and unconscious.

    CLICK-CLICK-CLICK.

    Tiny paws padded through the ungraceful heap of men sprawled across the cold cavern floor, their faces twisted in frozen agony. Zephyr weaved effortlessly between them, his keen nose quickly locating the keychain on one of the unconscious men.

    He grabbed it and promptly retreated, but not before Midnight slipped onto his back again, as if it were his rightful perch. Zephyr¡¯s expression soured, but he begrudgingly carried on.

    ***

    GROWL~

    Ribbit rested a hand on his stomach and winced in pain. ¡°Did that person really mean what he said earlier,¡± he murmured dejectedly, ¡°¡­about the sphere exploding, or the cage falling into the water?¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t get any stupid ideas,¡± Garrett murmured back wearily.

    ¡°He didn¡¯t seem like the type who would lie about something like that,¡± Brek added.

    Daisuke tilted his head back, the Eye of Verity following the collective flow of mana from each metallic bar of the cage that flowed into the sphere overhead. ¡°Pretty sure there¡¯s some kind of complex link between the cage and the sphere. If we try to force our way out, there¡¯s a high possibility that something will definitely happen.¡±

    Brek frowned, noting the way his rival scanned the length of the metal bars that surrounded them. It was obvious he was able to see something they couldn¡¯t, which is why his words sounded more like fact rather than conjecture.

    He¡¯s always been pretty impressive, Brek thought to himself, but how could he have grown to this extent in such a short period of time? What the heck happened to him?

    As Daisuke studied the swirling cluster of mana surrounding the cage¡¯s deadbolt, a familiar ¡°arf¡± caught his attention. He approached the edge of the cell cautiously, peering down to find Zephyr below, tail wagging happily, the keychain clutched in his mouth.

    Atta boy, Daisuke smiled with relief.

    Suddenly, Ribbit mindlessly threw himself against the cage, gripping the metal bars so tightly his knuckles turned white. ¡°Monstron!¡± he shouted, his nostrils flaring as he stared at Zephyr, eyes wide and wild, like the pup was nothing more than a slab of meat waiting to be devoured.

    Everyone froze, their gazes snapping toward the metallic sphere overhead, bracing for disaster¡ªbut nothing happened. Yet, an entirely different catastrophe was brewing.

    Zephyr shuddered as Ribbit¡¯s ravenous stare bore into him. Instinct took over, and flames began to stir in his maw. Panic spread like wildfire as everyone pleaded with the pup, but the canine was beyond reason, consumed by his defense mechanism.

    Just before the flames could ignite them like a candlewick, Daisuke swiftly unsummoned the pup into his inventory, extinguishing the fiery threat in an instant.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Ribbit looked around with a puzzled expression. ¡°Where did the meat go?¡±

    Without a word, Daisuke, Brek, and Garrett closed in on the simpleton from behind, their eyes blazing with intent, a sinister energy pulsating from their raised fists.

    PUURSH-PUURSH-PUURSH!

    The resounding echo of punches reverberated through the cavern. In the next instant, Ribbit was face down and twitching on the floor, three steaming bumps stacked comically on top of his head.

    ¡°Moron,¡± Garrett mumbled.

    The keychain jingled softly as Midnight slipped out from Daisuke¡¯s shadow, moving with an ethereal grace. The Djinn cast a brief, indifferent glance at the others before extending the keys toward his master.

    ¡°Thanks, buddy,¡± Daisuke said, taking the keychain from the feline¡¯s raised tail. ¡°You both did extremely well,¡± he added upon summoning Zephyr.

    The pup¡¯s ears drooped, a repentant whimper escaping him as he made eye contact with Daisuke. However, his expression soon hardened when he spotted Ribbit face down on the floor¡ªthe brat who had ogled him like an easy meal.

    Without hesitation, the fuming canine trotted over, turned his back to the unconscious boy, and lifted one leg into the air.

    ¡°Zephyr, that¡¯s overkill,¡± Daisuke sighed. ¡°He¡¯s already down for the count,¡± he added, gesturing to the still-steaming bumps on Ribbit¡¯s head.

    The pup reluctantly lowered his leg, wearing a disgruntled scowl. But as he turned to walk away, he noticed the boy sneaking a peek through one barely opened eye, checking if the danger had passed. Zephyr¡¯s growl turned into a wicked grin, fangs gleaming and claws flexing in a menacing display.

    Ribbit paled.

    While they tumbled around in a chaotic cloud, reminiscent of a scene straight out of Tom & Jerry, Daisuke sighed, sifting through the keys on the chain. ¡°We should probably get out of here before they set off one of the traps and get us all killed.¡±

 CHAPTER 121: The Gladiator Candidate â€“ Daisuke VS Lekton

    Garrett turned away from Ribbit¡¯s desperate cries for help and faced Daisuke with gleaming eyes as the feline sat atop his shoulder. ¡°Are you a summoner? Man, I can¡¯t believe you managed to learn magic!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s so amazing!¡± exclaimed one of the other kids.

    ¡°Incredible!¡± another one chimed in.

    ¡°Are you really a summoner?¡± asked a third.

    ¡°Well, I wouldn¡¯t really say I¡¯m a summoner,¡± Daisuke clarified modestly. ¡°I¡¯m more of an all-rounder, but I still have a pretty long way to go.¡±

    ¡°Wow~¡±

    The kids looked on in wonder, clinging to each and every syllable that left his lips, all while Brek looked on with an indecipherable expression.

    After carefully opening the cage, a clever use of Daisuke¡¯s Magic Chains enabled the kids to escape without needing to drop roughly twenty feet into the freezing pool below.

    Similar to their days in Dusthaven, everyone hovered close to Daisuke and carefully adhered to his instructions, even more so now that he had demonstrated a portion of his abilities.

    As they all hid behind one of the many large wooden crates in what appeared to be a storage room, one of the kids regarded the canine and feline perched upon Daisuke¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°So¡­ do they have a name?¡± he asked. ¡°The cat and wolf, I mean.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Daisuke paused his scan of the dreary chamber to address the question. ¡°This is Zephyr and Midnight,¡± he informed with a smile. ¡°Midnight¡¯s actually the newest member of the team.¡±

    Ribbit was covered in bruises¡ªnow, he was suffering from an additional type of pain. Surreptitiously, he stole a glance at the vicious monster that had just bullied him. In the same beat, Zephyr¡¯s head slowly swiveled around like a creaking door, fangs bare, his eyes flashing menacingly.

    Ribbit blanched and immediately looked away.

    ¡°By the way, Haxks,¡± Garrett began, ¡°how did you manage to find us? You couldn¡¯t possibly have known we were captured?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± another boy added. ¡°I would imagine these guys didn¡¯t leave much of a trail behind.¡±

    ¡°I went back to Dusthaven,¡± Daisuke informed candidly. ¡°That¡¯s where I learned what had happened to you guys. I was also able to get some valuable information too. One thing led to another and I ended up here.¡±

    ¡°¡­How¡¯s the village holding up?¡± Garrett asked while everyone listened with a trace of indifference.

    ¡°Well¡­ I think it¡¯s on the verge of an incredible change,¡± Daisuke said, noting as everyone¡¯s expressions gradually shifted from disinterest to surprise. ¡°Turns out the lord isn¡¯t as big of a jerk as we thought. He¡¯s taken notice of the slum folk and has proactively been participating in the development of agriculture and improving the welfare of the people. The next time we visit, we honestly may not be able to recognize the place.¡±

    ¡°N-No way!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great news!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding?! The lord was actually a good guy?!¡±

    ¡°That means Rob and the others must be okay!¡±

    While the children celebrated in hushed voices, Brek huddled close to Daisuke and whispered, ¡°So? What¡¯s the game plan?¡±

    ¡°¡­The plan¡¯s to clobber the guy who imprisoned us here,¡± Daisuke responded, his eyes stirring with a gleam Brek had never seen before. ¡°If we don¡¯t teach him a lesson and figure out who he¡¯s working for, they may come after us again in the future.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve definitely come a long way from just running away.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. ¡°I¡¯m done running.¡±

    ***

    Adrian sat crossed-legged in a lavish chair that could easily pass as a throne. In his hands, he daintily held a small saucer and a teacup, his lips puckered as he took a small sip.

    The chamber surrounding him, much like the Mhaledictus'' former mountain hideaway, was an extravagant attempt to elevate a dark, damp cave into something regal. Mana lamps bathed the space in a soft, eerie glow, highlighting rich tapestries, deep crimson carpets, and lavish furnishings. His personal bodyguard stood beside him, unmoving, as though part of the room itself¡ªan imposing, silent sentinel watching over his master.

    ¡°You¡¯ve just made a terrible mistake,¡± Adrian said condescendingly, watching with displeasure as Daisuke and the children entered the chamber. ¡°I was willing to spare the others if you agreed to comply, but now you leave us with no other choice but to get rid of them to teach you a lesson. And it would seem that you need a harsh lesson in obedience, too.¡±

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    As if his words were the signal, a familiar tentacle suddenly shot out from a nearby pool with dark intent.

    Without a word, Daisuke nimbly sidestepped the appendage and then severed it with the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang. In the same beat, he followed up by flicking a Lightning Bead into the pool, fatally electrocuting the annoying fiend.

    ¡°You,¡± Adrian hissed, his lovely face creasing. ¡°How did you¡ª¡±

    ¡°This is the boss room,¡± Daisuke simply said, ¡°I¡¯d dump the mob with the mana debuff ability in here, too, to beef up security.¡±

    ¡°You really are a nuisance as warned,¡± Adrian scoffed, noting as the corpse of the monster floated to the surface of the pool. ¡°Well, the fact that you were able to defeat it so quickly explains how you managed to get past the mercenaries.

    But no matter,¡± he said, resting his tea ware on a nearby table. Then he snapped his fingers authoritatively and crossed his legs, this time from left to right. ¡°Crush him within an inch of his life, then kill his friends while he watches.¡±

    The man who stood as a motionless statue just moments ago finally started to move, an impressive glaive clasped tightly within his hand, his bulging muscles accentuated by pieces of armor.

    ¡°Lekton wasn¡¯t a cheap mercenary to come by,¡± Adrian admitted with an amused smile. ¡°He hails from a prominent warrior race and was the mightiest among his kin. He¡¯s so skilled that he was even scouted to participate in The Bloodforge.¡±

    While everyone cowered back in fear, Daisuke arched one brown in question. ¡°The Bloodforge?¡±

    Adrian palmed his face and chuckled mockingly. ¡°The fact that you¡¯re clueless about The Bloodforge¡¯s existence merely mirrors your incompetence as a warrior.

    The Bloodforge is a colosseum located in Valtaris¡ªa city renowned for its brutal gladiatorial contests and savage warrior culture. And right now, you¡¯re about to be put in your place by a man who would¡¯ve stood at the pinnacle of those savages should he fight in the arena.¡±

    Right on cue, Lekton eased into a battle stance and flexed his glaive, his lips peeling back from his teeth to reveal a psychotic grin. Without missing a beat, he hurled his weapon forward like a projectile launched from a ballista.

    Time slowed.

    Daisuke lurched forward.

    CLANGGGGG!

    The Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang screeched against the glaive¡¯s shaft, sparks flying as Daisuke deftly redirected the weapon¡¯s path. Brek¡¯s eyes widened in terror as the glaive whipped past his face, slicing through the air and leaving a thin, stinging cut along his cheek.

    BOOOOOOM!

    The polearm smashed into the wall with a deafening explosion, embedding itself deep within the stone. Ribbit¡¯s face drained of color, a series of panicked farts sputtering out like a deflating balloon.

    Garrett, eyes wide in terror, staggered backward and landed on his rear. The rest of the kids huddled together, trembling. But Daisuke? He had disappeared into thin air.

    Before Lekton¡¯s eyes could shift from his weapon and refocus, Daisuke materialized before him, a blur of motion. In the same heartbeat, he funneled all of his stats into Strength and delivered a bone-shattering blow.

    DING!

    [The active skill ?Meteor Smash? has been acquired.]

    [Meteor Smash]

    [Rank: Unique

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Every ounce of your being channels raw power, concentrating it into a singular, earth-shattering blow, crushing your target with the force of a falling meteor.

    When activated, all your stats are reallocated to Strength, allowing you to deliver an attack of overwhelming force.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Reallocates all Stat Points to Strength, increasing Attack Power by 300%.

    ?? Upon usage, Stat Points return to their original distribution, and the Stat Reset skill is disabled for 6 hours.

    Mana Cost: 200

    Skill Cooldown: 24 Hours]

    With a single devastating punch, the so-called mighty warrior¡¯s eyes bulged in shock. The impact rippled through his body, shattering his armor like brittle clay. He clutched his stomach, collapsing to his knees in disbelief before emptying the contents of his stomach onto the cavern floor.

    Adrian stood paralyzed, his once calm and collected demeanor shattered like fragile glass. His usually composed and beautiful face now twisted into a ghastly expression of shock, fists clenched and trembling. The children were no less stunned, their wide eyes reflecting the disbelief that filled the room.

    Brek glanced over at Zephyr who wore a smog grin, and then at the mysterious feline with its indifferent expression. It was clear both of them knew what Daisuke was capable of. But how had he managed to become so powerful so quickly? What had he gone through to trigger such an immense change?

    Brek¡¯s gaze dropped to his own palm, noticing the absence of calluses. It was a glaring reminder that he wasn¡¯t pushing himself hard enough. If Daisuke hadn¡¯t stepped in earlier, the glaive would have split his head open like a ripe watermelon.

    ¡°I need to become stronger,¡± he muttered, clenching his fist tightly as an image of his baby sister flashed in his mind. ¡°If I can¡¯t even protect myself, how am I supposed to protect anyone else?¡±

    The dull thud of Daisuke kicking the self-proclaimed warrior like a soccer ball snapped Brek¡¯s attention back to the battlefield.

    Lekton hit the ground hard at his employer¡¯s feet, still writhing in pain from the earlier blow. Adrian stood above him, seething with fury. He clenched his jaw, the rigid lines of rage deepening across his face.

    But then, without warning, something changed¡ªAdrian¡¯s tension melted away. His clenched fists relaxed, and his hardened expression shifted. Tilting his head back, a strange giggle bubbled up from his throat. His palm slid over his face as the giggle darkened, evolving into an unsettling, maniacal laugh that echoed through the cavern.

    ¡°I was only planning to rough you up a bit,¡± he admitted darkly, pulling a small, marble-like medicinal pill from his pocket and forcing it into Lekton¡¯s mouth. ¡°But now it seems I¡¯ll have to slaughter your pathetic friends and break a few of your bones before you start taking this seriously.¡±

    Lekton¡¯s eyes widened in horror as the pill slid down his throat, its bitter taste searing his senses. His body convulsed, muscles rippling unnaturally beneath his skin. Veins bulged grotesquely, his breaths turning shallow and ragged as he clutched at his chest.

    A sickening crack echoed through the cavern as his bones began to shift and warp. His limbs elongated, skin stretching taut over his altered form. His fingers thickened into jagged claws, his once-human features contorting into something primal. His mouth stretched wide, sharp fangs protruding as a low, guttural growl rumbled deep from his throat.

    Lekton¡¯s eyes blazed with feral intensity as they found their prey, pupils narrowing into menacing slits. Now towering over everyone, his body had swelled to twice its original size, coarse fur bristling across his skin. No longer recognizable as human, he stood as a monstrous homunculus, the effects of the strange pill coursing through him like wildfire.

 CHAPTER 122: Another Foe, Old & New

    Daisuke was stunned, his eyes wide as Lekton¡¯s horrifying transformation unfolded.

    ¡°What the hell?¡±

    ¡°M-Monster!¡±

    ¡°What the heck did he just feed him?¡±

    ¡°Haxks! Shouldn¡¯t we run away?¡±

    While the children recoiled in fear, Adrian guffawed, deriving pleasure from Daisuke¡¯s evident shock. ¡°Looks familiar, doesn¡¯t it? In that case, you¡¯ll absolutely love what I have in store for you next!¡±

    With a snap of his fingers, a wall slid away, revealing a blind, reptilian beast lurking in a hidden chamber. The children¡¯s eyes widened in bewilderment as, just like Adrian, Daisuke¡¯s expression suddenly became dark.

    Emerging from the shadows with a deep growl was a monstrous chimera¡ªReginald¡¯s mother, forcibly twisted into this abomination. Yet, Daisuke¡¯s fury eclipsed any sympathy for her past humanity.

    All he could focus on was the bitter truth: this fiend, now under Adrian¡¯s control, was the very one responsible for Sheba¡¯s death. It had survived¡ªand Adrian was using it as his second trump card.

    Daisuke sneered as both creatures, oblivious to each other, turned their full attention on him¡ªthe source of their shared agony. That moron, he thought bitterly, does he even realize that thing¡¯s his own stepmother?

    With another snap of Adrian¡¯s fingers, both monsters unleashed a thunderous roar, bolting forward like a pair of Formula One cars. Deep claw marks tore through the cavern floor and walls as the beasts ricocheted across the chamber, moving with terrifying speed.

    Even as a slash carved a bloody arc along his cheek, Adrian¡¯s ominous laughter echoed through the cave, his hands raised high like a scientist gone mad.

    This bastard, Daisuke¡¯s features contorted into a scowl, it doesn¡¯t seem like he has full control over the monsters.

    Garrett and the rest of the children huddled together in terror as the chaos closed in around them, invisible claws and fangs slashing through the air just inches from their bodies. Each near miss only deepened their dread as the rampage threatened to engulf them.

    ¡°Zephyr!¡± Daisuke shouted, his tone sharp with urgency as he settled into his familiar battle stance, the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang held in a reverse grip.

    CLANG!

    Daisuke raised his dagger just in time to intercept the lethal swipe of a claw, sparks flying as the sharp nail scraped along its edge. Time seemed to slow to a crawl, the sparks casting brief light over both his and Zephyr¡¯s steely expressions. Without hesitation, they launched themselves into the chaos, matching their foes¡¯ speed with fierce determination.

    Zephyr darted across Lekton¡¯s massive frame like a relentless flea, his mana-charged fangs and claws tearing into the creature¡¯s rough skin and flesh. Daisuke¡¯s dagger mirrored Zephyr¡¯s speed and precision, slashing in radiant arcs that stripped away layers of the chimera¡¯s flesh.

    Adrian looked on nervously, his once neatly groomed hair now unkempt. No! He exclaimed inwardly, his expression grave as he bit his nail through his glove. They didn¡¯t tell me he would be this strong! At this rate, the monsters will be defeated! Tsk!

    In a desperate bid to turn the tide, Adrian called upon his powers as a Trickster, summoning a powerful gust of wind. As the children cried out and shielded their eyes from the whirlwind of dirt and debris, the vile beasts vanished, shrouded by a thin veil of mana that rendered them invisible.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how strong you are!¡± Adrian bellowed with a malicious grin. ¡°If you can¡¯t even see the enemy, what good is all that power? Fools¡ªyou¡¯re finished!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s lips remained a tight, calm line, his expression cool and composed. His pupils darted mechanically as the Eye of Verity tracked the agile movements of the loathsome chimera. Meanwhile, Zephyr relied on his keen sense of smell, honing in on his prey.

    As Daisuke relentlessly chipped away at the creature¡¯s armored scales, memories of his past filled his mind¡ªhow, at the manor, he had merely been a distraction, buying enough time for April and the others to escape. Then he had fled for his life, barely managing to survive. This time, however, there was no fear or despair¡ªonly the searing flames of hatred and vengeance surging through his veins.

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Sheba¡¯s smile, her enchanting gaze, her charisma, and the tender affection she had always given to everyone¡ªall of it surged within Daisuke, a powerful force that bolstered his strength, speed, and determination.

    Her tears, the memories of her sorrow, were like fuel coursing through him. The Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang clashed against the chimera¡¯s hardened scales, each strike struggling to break through, but Daisuke¡¯s tenacity was unyielding. Slowly, piece by piece, the scales began to fall away, worn down by his sheer will and drive.

    WOOOSHHH!

    The pungent odor of singed hair filled the chamber as Lekton¡ªor the monstrous fiend he had become¡ªstaggered backward, its charred skin crackling from the aftermath of Zephyr¡¯s Emberstorm. Smoke drifted from its maw as it tilted its head back, the once-formidable figure now scorched black and trembling from the searing flames.

    A roundhouse kick sent the chimera crashing into the homunculus, their bodies slamming together with a bone-jarring impact. Before they could recover, Daisuke ensnared them both with his Magic Chains, locking them tightly in place.

    Retrieving the glaive from where it was lodged in the cavern wall, Daisuke hurled it with all his strength. The weapon tore through the air with a deadly whistle, and with a dark crack, it pierced both monstrosities. Their combined roars of pain echoed through the chamber as they writhed in agony, helpless and impaled.

    While they were immobilized, Zephyr sprang into action for the overkill. His fangs and claws blazed through the air in a dazzling arc of light as he circled the fiends, shredding them with fierce accuracy. Just as he withdrew, a bolt of cerulean blue lightning streaked down and struck the glaive, unleashing a torrent of electricity that ravaged the pinned creatures.

    For a moment, time seemed to stand eerily still, and a chill ran down Daisuke¡¯s spine. As the chimera¡¯s malevolent life-force faded, an ethereal light emerged from the darkness, manifesting as a ghostly apparition of a woman. She bowed with a sincere smile of gratitude before vanishing as suddenly as she had appeared.

    DING!

    [Haxks has slain the Chimera Hidden Boss ?Malistra Wrathshade?.]

    DING!

    [The homunculus Lekton has been defeated!]

    [138,700 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [Level Up!]

    [Stormcleaver Glaive has been acquired.]

    [Aethercore Ring has been acquired.]

    [Reinforcement Tablet x2 has been acquired.]

    [Celestial Cube (White) has been acquired.]

    [Celestial Cube (Blue) has been acquired.]

    [Anneliese¡¯s Letter has been acquired.]

    [Medium HP Recovery Potion x2 has been acquired.]

    [Homunculus Serum (Residue) has been acquired.]

    [Serpent¡¯s Tendon x3 has been acquired.]

    [Chimera¡¯s Scales x8 has been acquired.]

    [13803 gold has been acquired.]

    Adrian¡¯s jaw hung slack, his shock palpable at the scene before him. Yet, he was the first to regain composure, his mind spinning as he tried to comprehend what he had just witnessed.

    Against all odds, despite being hunted by two monstrous creatures, the boy he was tasked to capture had not only escaped but done so with a startling level of precision and efficiency. The realization hit Adrian hard: if he had any hope of capturing the enigma known as Haxks Starfrost, he would need far more than his current forces¡ªhe would need an army and a much deadlier arsenal.

    The moment he spun to flee, Daisuke appeared before him in a flash, moving faster than the eye could track. A swift backhand sent the handsome bastard sprawling across the ground. Adrian groaned, pressing a trembling hand to his bruised cheek, only to find Daisuke crouched in front of him with a cold, condescending gaze.

    ¡°Sure, I skimmed a few books during my short stay at the manor,¡± he began, ¡°but that¡¯s nowhere near enough time to grasp something as complex as alchemy. You¡¯re probably more knowledgeable about it than I am¡ªhonestly, anyone who knows the name Cedric Oswald Percival should be leagues ahead of my basic understanding. So, why not recruit one of them instead?¡±

    Adrian managed a nervous smile. ¡°Contrary to popular belief, alchemy is about more than just formulas, perfect circles, and natural resources. My father, grandfather, and the generations before them often cited Cedric, who said:

    ¡®If you can¡¯t truly see the natural world, then how do you expect to interact with it?¡¯

    I believe the reason Cedric was able to conceive, develop, and apply alchemy the way he did is that he possessed a natural gift for seeing beyond the veil into the true essence of the natural world.¡±

    A muscle worked in Daisuke¡¯s jaw as he contemplated the uttered words. The natural world? He thought intensely. What exactly does that mean? How exactly does one interact with the natural world?

    He sighed inwardly, frustration gnawing at him. It seemed that for every step he took toward understanding alchemy, he ended up taking two steps back.

    Oswald had promised in his grimoire that the secrets of alchemy would be revealed to him if he used the knowledge for the benefit of others, yet it felt like he was not getting any closer to that goal.

    While he was momentarily distracted, Adrian¡¯s fingers twitched, and his legs tensed, poised to spring into action. Before he could push himself to his feet and flee, Daisuke plunged his dagger into his thigh with an unflinching expression.

    But, instead of gushing blood, a caterpillar wriggled from the wound, and in an instant, Adrian¡¯s entire body transformed, bursting into a vibrant swarm of butterflies that took to the air, fluttering gracefully away.

    Daisuke clicked his tongue in annoyance, his eyes narrowed to unenthused slits. This makes the second time he¡¯s managed to fool the Eye of Verity. Not exactly sure how I feel about that.

 CHAPTER 123: Parting Gifts â€“ Weapons & Encouragement

    Daisuke placed the final stone atop the makeshift tomb of the chimera, marking its grave with a somber expression. The children¡¯s excited chatter about the recent battle gradually faded into the background as his thoughts weighed heavily on him.

    Despite the creature¡¯s monstrous form, it had once been Reginald¡¯s mother, twisted by dark forces. The idea of letting anyone consume or harvest her remains for materials felt unimaginable, a desecration he could not allow.

    I know she abandoned her husband and children when they fell from grace, but did she really deserve this kind of fate?

    Daisuke was stirred from his thoughts by the near proximity of Brek¡¯s voice, ¡°So, where do we go from here?¡±

    Straightening up and brushing the dirt from his hands, Daisuke allowed the question to settle. Once more, he found himself drawn inward, surrendering to the thoughts swirling in his mind.

    Ideally, I should have them stay in Elmridge Village with April and Mia, but wouldn¡¯t I be overstepping by asking the Beastfolk for another favor? Especially considering they don¡¯t exactly have a fondness for humans.

    Brek sighed and shook his head with a tad of annoyance. ¡°I see you still have that bad habit of channeling your thoughts inwards instead of sharing it with the rest of us.¡±

    ¡°I bet he¡¯s already conjuring up ideas for a safe place to stick us,¡± Garrett murmured accusingly.

    Ribbit nodded his head in agreement.

    Daisuke choked on his guilt.

    ¡°We know you¡¯re great and all,¡± Brek added with an envious gesture of his hand, ¡°especially now that you¡¯ve acquired all this impressive power, but you can¡¯t expect to protect us all our lives.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s right!¡± Garrett asserted. ¡°We all need to become stronger to protect ourselves and others!¡±

    Ribbit nodded energetically.

    Daisuke passed an appraising glance over the other children who were all inclining their heads with determination. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll at least accompany you guys to Wonderelle¡ª¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine on our own,¡± Brek reassured, feeling a bit irritated that he needed permission from a kid two years his junior.

    A muscle tensed in Daisuke¡¯s jaw, his eyes narrowing. But instead of lashing out in outrage, he cupped his chin, calmly assessing the situation. Wonderelle is just one of the many starter villages in the game, meaning there aren¡¯t any high-level monsters nearby. If they quietly head toward town, the mobs should only get weaker along the way, so they¡¯ll likely be fine on their own.

    Without a word, Daisuke beckoned for Ribbit to approach. The portly teen exchanged nervous glances with the others before conceding to the command. When he came to a stop, his eyes widened in surprise as a large, double-edged weapon was materialized and handed to him.

    CLANG!

    The axe fell to the ground the moment Ribbit¡¯s hands coiled around the leather hilt. His face turned red, his eyes bulged, and he farted endlessly as he struggled to lift the weapon. Still, he managed to hoist it over his head, wobbling slightly under the weight. With a deep breath, he swung it once¡ªonly to be left panting.

    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    [Mighty Axe +1]

    [Rank: Rare

    Type: Axe

    Melee Attack Power: 310~340 | Durability: 87/102 | Attack Speed: -5%

    The Mighty Axe is a brutal weapon designed for devastating blows and overwhelming strength. With its massive, double-sided blade and reinforced handle, this axe cleaves through armor and bone alike, leaving destruction in its wake.

    ?? Strength +6

    ?? Knockback Chance +25%

    ?? Armor Penetration +15%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 42+ | Strength 38+ | Stamina 22+

    Daisuke watched in amusement. So despite the weapon being of a higher level, an NPC is still able to wield it. But, just like me, I would imagine there will be restrictions. ¡°If you can manage to swing it three times in a row by the next time we meet, that¡¯ll mean you¡¯ve gotten stronger.¡±

    ¡°Then,¡± Ribbit¡¯s eyes glittered like stars, ¡°does that mean I can have this?!¡±

    Daisuke nodded with a smile before approaching Garrett, a crimson red blade taking shape in his hands.

    [Bloodstained Short Sword +1]

    [Rank: Rare

    Type: Sword

    Melee Attack Power: 204~228 | Durability: 91/91 | Attack Speed: +11%

    Forged in the fires of battle and tempered with the blood of its foes, the Bloodstained Short Sword is a formidable weapon that strikes fear into the hearts of adversaries. Its blade, stained with the crimson hue of countless battles, exudes an aura of relentless ferocity.

    ?? Agility +4

    ?? Attack Damage +5

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 40+ | Strength 35+ | Stamina 20+]

    ¡°A sword?! Is this really for me?!¡± Garrett exclaimed, generously accepting the valuable gift with both hands. Then he immediately assumed a sword stance he¡¯d observed from one of the slave traders and began testing out the weight of the weapon.

    Finally, Daisuke walked up to Brek who lowered his gaze dejectedly. It was quite evident he didn¡¯t feel deserving of whatever he was about to receive. With a sigh, Daisuke flicked his forehead. When a flinch was all he managed to elicit from the stubborn Wolfkin, he tightly gripped the boy¡¯s shoulder and spoke.

    ¡°I can tell you from experience that beating yourself up like this isn¡¯t going to change anything. Let bygones be bygones. You said you wanted to become powerful enough to defend yourself and others, right? If you truly meant that, then swallow your guilt and your ego and hold out your hand.¡±

    Brek finally tilted his chin, his gaze burning with renewed conviction. With a nod, he opened his palms within which a familiar weapon was summoned.

    [Stormcleaver Glaive +1]

    [Rank: Rare

    Type: Polearm

    Melee Attack Power: 228~255 | Durability: 83/89 | Attack Speed: -2%

    With its imposing design and elemental prowess, the Stormcleaver Glaive is favored by warriors who seek to dominate their enemies from both near and far.

    Its broad, curved blade is etched with lightning motifs, symbolizing its capacity to harness wind and lightning magic. When swung with enough force, the glaive unleashes razor-sharp blades of wind that shreds through distant foes.

    ?? Critical Hit Chance +10%

    ?? Knockback Chance +20%

    ?? Unlocks the ?Wind Blade? skill

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 45+ | Strength 39+ | Stamina 24+]

    [Wind Blade]

    [With every ninth strike, the motifs on the glaive glow a brilliant blue, releasing blades of wind that grate through nearby or distant enemies. The attack deals 45% of the wielder¡¯s maximum mana as damage.]

    Brek¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°This is¡­¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s grip on the Wolfkin¡¯s shoulder tightened. ¡°If you really want to protect April next time, then commit yourself to mastering this weapon.¡±

    Brek¡¯s lips quivered, traitor tears streaking down his face as the memory of April¡¯s terrified screams, and his own despair, flooded his mind. Never again¡ªhe never wanted to experience that level of helplessness again.

    ¡°Make sure to head straight back into town,¡± Daisuke warned as he stuffed a Repel Incense, several potions, and a pouch containing two-thousand gold into Brek¡¯s free hand. ¡°And no more unscrupulous behavior from now on¡ªgot that?¡±

    The children¡¯s eyeballs bulged at the sight of the pouch containing the glittering gold coins. ¡°Th-This is too much¡ª¡±

    Brek¡¯s words abruptly trailed off as Daisuke threatened to finger flick his forehead again. ¡°Can you at least tell us where you¡¯re going?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m heading to the capital city¡ªLunarel,¡± Daisuke informed, his eyes narrowing to dangerous slits. ¡°But before that, there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to take care of first.¡±

 CHAPTER 124: Terrors in Tandem

    Time slowed to a crawl as Daisuke shifted his head a few centimeters to the side, a wooden spear narrowly missing his ear as it passed over his shoulder.

    ¡°Pant! Pant! Pant!¡±

    His breaths came in ragged bursts as he sprinted, the ground pounding beneath his feet. Behind him, the snarling horde of crazed monsters gained ground, their eyes burning with relentless fury, clearly intent on settling a score.

    ¡°Are you freakin¡¯ kidding me!¡± Daisuke exclaimed. ¡°So Field Bosses spawn monsters endemic to the area when their HP hits 65%¡ªand they¡¯re all elites? Why wasn¡¯t I aware of this?!¡±

    With a sidelong glance, he absorbed the terrifying sight. Several elite-class monsters were right on his heels¡ªtwice their usual size, twice as tough, twice as mean, and twice as relentless. Their roars reverberated through the air, each one more menacing than the last, making his heart pound even faster.

    ¡°Gimmie a break already!¡±

    As if his desperate outcry had stirred their commitment even further, the monsters shifted into overdrive. The Rabid Horned Rabbits, frothing at the mouth, their crimson eyes bulging and veiny, charged with terrifying speed. Burly Forest Imps, bipedal and muscular, pounded their chests like gorillas, snapping thick tree branches as if to demonstrate their intentions for his spine.

    Goblins hurled spears and launched projectiles from slingshots, their battle cries cutting through the chaos. The Malevocroaks, Kobolds, Bullet Hares, and Lipanthyer were equally menacing. And towering behind the psychotic progression of monsters was the Exiled Hilitroll Chief, wielding a massive club, his presence adding fuel to the frenzied onslaught.

    The beast let out a furious grunt as Zephyr fearlessly darted between its legs. The pup growled, flames bursting from his maw and engulfing the unsuspecting monsters ahead. Enraged, the troll swung its massive club down with crushing force, shattering the earth and leaving a deep crater in its wake. But as the dust settled, the troll¡¯s hardened expression twisted in frustration¡ªno blood, no broken bodies. His blow had met nothing but empty ground.

    Several Malevocroaks scrambled for cover, diving beneath the nearest bushes. Though singed from the flames, they had escaped the worst of it. The same couldn¡¯t be said for the Horned Rabbits and Forest Imps. Fire, their greatest weakness, consumed them completely, leaving nothing but smoldering ashes in their place.

    Suddenly, the unmistakable rattle of chains was heard. Before the Malevocroaks could process the sound with their pea-sized brains, a golden chain snapped around their necks, yanking them upward into the branches overhead.

    Then, in the blink of an eye, a shadow streaked past, leaving behind a yellow bead in the palm of one monster. The creatures barely had a moment to glance at it before they were engulfed in a surge of electricity, their bodies convulsing as the lethal shock sealed their fate.

    Now the shadow hurtled downward at blinding speed, time dragging to a near halt as Daisuke¡¯s heels slammed into the Lipanthyer¡¯s spine. The massive feline collapsed beneath the force. The earth cracked and splintered, sending dirt and debris floating in slow motion around them. Without missing a beat, Daisuke¡¯s dagger sunk into the creature¡¯s skull with a sickening crunch, the sound echoing through the still air.

    DING!

    [Insta-Kill!]

    [The effect of One-Hit Kill activates, instantly allowing the targeted enemy to be slain with a single strike.]

    Before the beast even slumped to the ground, Daisuke¡¯s head swiveled to the side with a chilling, mechanical focus. Then, in a heartbeat, his figure vanished.

    ¡°Kikee!¡±

    ¡°Kakhaaa!¡±

    ¡°Nheeikkkk!¡±

    The Goblins bolted toward their towering leader, desperation fueling their every step. But before they could reach the safety of his shadow, Daisuke blurred past them like a whirlwind. The creatures froze, dumbstruck as arcs of light from his dagger slashed through the air, intersecting their bodies with the precision of laser beams. A heartbeat later, their figures collapsed into a bloody heap on the ground.

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    Enraged, the troll hoisted its colossal club overhead, intent on bringing down the hammer of vengeance with all its might. The puny human was right in its sights, a fragile target ready to be crushed, but the next thing the fiend knew, its vision was filled with a gleaming projectile.

    SWISHH!

    The kunai buried itself deep into the troll¡¯s bulbous eye, forcing a deafening roar from the creature¡¯s throat. Blinded and frenzied, it flailed its club recklessly, smashing into the ground and trees with no sense of direction. Meanwhile, Daisuke moved like a shadow, effortlessly joining Zephyr to cut down the remaining monsters.

    Unlike their last encounter, the pup shredded through the Kobolds¡¯ thick, armored scales as if they were paper. Just as the canine¡¯s Razor Claw was about to bring down another of the reptilian fiends, a Bullet Hare launched itself from a nearby tree, its bone weapon gleaming with deadly intent, aiming to split the wolf in two mid-attack.

    Daisuke appeared in the nick of time, an Impeccable Parry deflecting the weapon in a brilliant flash of light. Without missing a beat, he grabbed the Bullet Hare by the face and drove its head into a nearby tree with such force that its skull shattered on impact. Its body suddenly went limp, utterly collapsing in his grasp.

    ROARRRRR!

    The ground shook violently as the troll charged, its massive frame tearing through the trees, each swing of its colossal club creating gusts of wind that rattled the branches. Daisuke¡¯s expression darkened, a golden gleam flickering in his eyes.

    [Exiled Hilitroll Chief | Lvl 17 | Field Boss | HP: 328573/523000]

    Its wounds have already healed up, he noted in displeasure. No surprise there, given its ridiculous regeneration ability. But it looks like the damage it took sticks¡­ which is good.

    After exchanging a brief glance, Daisuke and Zephyr sprang into action. They moved as one¡ªsilent, deadly, and impossibly fast. With a single, fluid motion, the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang and a mana-forged claw tore through the troll¡¯s tendons like wet paper. The hulking beast let out a pained roar as it collapsed, its massive body crashing to the ground. It propped itself up with its left hand, blue blood staining the earth beneath it.

    Undeterred, the troll raised its club high with its other arm, a single eye burning with rage as it prepared to smash the two into oblivion. But before the club could descend, Daisuke darted forward, his dagger flashing like lightning as he severed the beast¡¯s thumb in one clean cut.

    The club slipped from the troll¡¯s mangled hand, crashing uselessly to the ground. Then, like bees swarming a honey thief, Daisuke and Zephyr unleashed a relentless onslaught, their blades carving into the giant¡¯s flailing body without an ounce of hesitation.

    DING!

    [The Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang option effect has been activated, inflicting the Bleed Status. The target¡¯s health will decrease by 0.5% per second for 30 seconds.]

    DING!

    [The Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang option effect has been activated, inflicting the Bleed Status...]

    DING!

    [The Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang option effect has been activated¡­]

    DING!

    [¡­]

    The creature roared in desperation, its health rapidly draining with every strike. But Daisuke¡¯s keen observation didn¡¯t miss the fact that the fiend¡¯s tendons and thumb had begun regenerating at an alarming rate. Thinking quickly, he darted around the hulking beast, slicing the corners of its mouth so viciously that its jaw hung slack. Then without pause, he hurled a Poison Bomb down its gaping throat before leaping back to safety.

    The troll¡¯s eyes bulged in agony as it clutched its thick neck, froth bubbling from its lips while it flailed mindlessly. Without a shred of mercy or remorse, the duo capitalized on the opening, resuming their brutal rampage. They sliced deep into the troll¡¯s flesh, and as blood sprayed from its wounds, they noticed something promising¡ªthe fiend¡¯s regeneration had drastically slowed. Its body seemed consumed by the internal damage wrought by the poison, struggling to heal itself from within.

    Sensing the end, Daisuke moved in for the killing blow. With a flick of his wrist, he equipped the broken dagger he had received from Rohan and managed to trigger the Lightning Edge skill of his Dual Blader class.

    Sparks crackled as the broken weapon hummed with power. With a final, deadly thrust, Daisuke drove the jagged blade between the troll¡¯s eyes. A surge of electricity exploded from it, coursing through the troll¡¯s skull and sending violent spasms through its body.

    As the blade shattered and was taken by the wind, a broken gasp escaped the creature¡¯s mouth as its massive form collapsed. Its arms fell lifeless to the ground, and the last vestiges of its health flickered away.

    DING!

    [Haxks has slain the Field Boss ?Exiled Hilitroll Chief?.]

    [78,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [Salamander¡¯s Claw has been acquired.]

    [Level Up!]

    [Troll Essence x4 has been acquired.]

    [Exiled Hilitroll Chief Tusk x2 has been acquired.]

    [Scout Goblin¡¯s Horn has been acquired.]

    [Horned Rabbit Hide x7 has been acquired.]

    [Bullet Hare¡¯s Whiskers has been acquired.]

    [Forest Imp¡¯s Eyeball x6 has been acquired.]

    [Malevocroak¡¯s Tongue x2 has been acquired.]

    [Lipanthyer¡¯s Claw x12 has been acquired.]

    [477 gold has been acquired.]

    [Zephyr¡¯s level has risen!]

 CHAPTER 125: The Unsorted Bounty

    Daisuke let out a deep breath as he relaxed his shoulders, his dagger dissolving into nothingness as he casually approached the troll¡¯s lifeless form. His gaze wandered over the massive corpse, eventually landing on the hulking club beside it. On impulse, driven by a flicker of curiosity, he crouched down and wrapped his fingers around the weapon¡¯s hilt, feeling its weight in his grip.

    DING!

    [Sturdy Club has been acquired.]

    [Sturdy Club +2]

    [Rank: Rare

    Type: Blunt Weapon

    Melee Attack Power: 78~92 | Durability: 20/67 | Attack Speed: -12%

    The Exiled Hilitroll Chief¡¯s trusty weapon, hewn from the limb of the millennia-old oak known as the Tree of Ascension. Legend holds that every former chieftain¡¯s weapon was cut and carved from this ancient tree.

    ?? Strength +5

    ?? Knockback Chance +85%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+ | Strength 60+ | Stamina 25+]

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°No way! This can¡¯t be right! Are you seriously telling me it¡¯s possible to take a mob¡¯s weapon after killing it? Will this work every time¡ªor is this just some kind of special case? Is there really no limit to what an NPC can do?¡±

    ¡°Kyuu?¡± Zephyr tilted his head.

    Daisuke grinned widely as he stowed the weapon, reaching down to ruffle the pup¡¯s fur. ¡°You did great, buddy¡ªcouldn¡¯t have done it without you.¡± Now I¡¯ll be able to make use of the knockback debuff again. It¡¯s saved my skin more times than I can count.

    After securing the troll in his inventory, Daisuke plopped himself down against a nearby tree. ¡°So I gained a single level, huh? A far cry from the ten I got last time. Let¡¯s see¡­ if I got 78k EXP and the split is forty-sixty between Zephyr and me¡­ that means the troll gives roughly¡­ 130k EXP. Not bad for a level 17 Field Boss. I¡¯ve also confirmed that Field Bosses emit a green aura when viewed with the Eye of Verity. A third encounter would solidify that for sure.¡±

    While Zephyr gnawed on his favorite bone, Daisuke popped an Etherberry into his mouth and started browsing through the items he¡¯d received before defeating Adrian and his puppets. I never did take a moment to check these out, did I?

    [Aethercore Ring +2]

    [Rating: Legendary

    Durability: 8/8 | Magical Defense: 8.3% | Magical & Physical Balance: 9.2%

    Crafted by the mystics of the Crystal Vale, the Aethercore Ring is a rare treasure, coveted by mages and sorcerers who seek greater depths of magic. Its steady hum of energy empowers spellcasters and is said to bind them to a near-endless well of arcane power.

    ?? HP & MP Regen Speed +12%

    ?? Str +5

    ?? Skill Cooldown Reduction +10%

    ?? Casting Speed +15%

    ?? MP +250

    ?? MP +25%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 29+]

    ¡°No way! You¡¯re kidding!¡± Daisuke exclaimed, his eyes sparkling. ¡°I can¡¯t believe we scored another legendary item! If I remember right, the last one came from that Demihuman Goblin.¡± He cupped his chin thoughtfully. ¡°The chimera was a unique mob too¡­ maybe unique monsters really do have a higher drop rate for legendary items.¡±

    Summoning his avatar menu, Daisuke eagerly proceeded to equip the new accessory. In the accessory section, there¡¯s only slots for two rings, two bracelets, a single necklace, and earrings are apparently seen as a pair. Like the Titan¡¯s Mind Cuff, I¡¯ll have to swap something out. I guess I¡¯ll chose this since I¡¯m pretty much getting a better stat:

    [Dunken¡¯s Copper Ring]

    [Rating: Normal

    Durability: 5/5 | Magical Defense: +3.3% | Magical & Physical Balance: +4%

    A ring polished so brightly it resembles a gold coin.

    ?? Strength +3

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+]

    The MP boost is definitely a welcome bonus, Daisuke thought, feeling pleased. Man, legendary items are really something else¡ªextra stats and all. He couldn¡¯t help but grin, eager to see what else was there. Let¡¯s see what¡¯s next¡­

    [Celestial Cube (White)]

    Celestial Cube¡­ Daisuke mused, savoring the sweet taste of the berry on his tongue. Now that I think about it, the first time I got one of these was from Casimir, but I never took the time to check it out. I think I got these other drops back then, too.

    [Runetablet]

    [Brothel Blueprints]

    Anyway, let¡¯s start with the cube.

    [Celestial Cube (White)]

    [Category: Alchemy Material

    Quantity: White x4 | Blue x1 | Orange x0 | Gold x0

    Rarity: Epic

    While humans drew inspiration from Cedric¡¯s groundbreaking work, which led to the creation of Reinforcement Tablets, the Dwarves pursued their own path, ultimately developing the Celestial Cube. This rare and precious artifact is used in tandem with Reinforcement Tablets to further enhance the process of equipment reinforcement. Each Celestial Cube is crafted to fit seamlessly into the center of a tablet, significantly amplifying its effects.

    The alchemists who viewed Cedric¡¯s work as sacred were outraged by the Dwarves¡¯ audacious adaptation of their technology. They saw the Celestial Cube as a brazen act of exploitation, believing that their invention had been undermined and reduced to a mere stepping stone for the Dwarves¡¯ innovations. The mere thought of any symbiotic relationship between their work and that of the Dwarves was enough to ignite disdain and bitterness.

    However, this enmity did little to deter the masses. Despite the alchemists¡¯ resentment, people eagerly embraced the powerful combination of both artifacts, merging the Reinforcement Tablets with the Celestial Cube to elevate their equipment¡¯s strength.

    Item Effects:

    Celestial Cubes come in four distinct tiers and the rarity and value increases by each increment. Each successive tier carries the effects of the previous:

    ?? White: Increases the chance of success

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    ?? Blue: Prevents the decrease of maximum durability

    ?? Orange: Prevents the destruction of the weapon

    ?? Gold: When the reinforcement process of an item with a reinforcement level of +4 or greater fails, the reinforcement level is maintained at +4]

    Daisuke arched one brow unenthusiastically. ¡°Okay then, that¡¯s a bit much to process right now. So tell you what, I¡¯ll come back to this when I¡¯m actually ready to start reinforcing my gear. Next up is¡­¡±

    [Runetablet]

    [Category: Ancient Rune Language

    Quantity: 5

    Rarity: Unique

    [¡­]

    The moment Daisuke¡¯s eyes landed on the first complex sentence, his expression instantly dulled. Without a second thought, he bypassed it entirely, moving on without a word.

    [Anneliese¡¯s Letter]

    [Category: Mail

    Quantity: 1

    Rarity: Unique

    A finely crafted parchment sealed with the distinctive wax insignia of a noble house. The letter is addressed to ¡°Lucienne¡± and is magically bound to its recipient, ensuring that no one but the intended can break the seal or read its contents.]

    Daisuke cupped his chin. Why would something like this drop from a mob? Was Annaliese maybe the mother who was transformed into the chimera? And who¡¯s Lucienne? I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to figure this out on my own, so I may as well put it aside for now.

    [Serpent¡¯s Tendon]

    [Category: Monster Material

    Quantity: 3

    Rarity: Epic

    A flexible yet powerful tendon from the chimera¡¯s reptilian form. This material is often used to craft high-quality bowstrings or lightweight, high-durability weapons.]

    [Chimera¡¯s Scales]

    [Category: Monster Material

    Quantity: 8

    Rarity: Unique

    Thick, iridescent scales that are incredibly durable. Ideal for crafting armor or reinforcing shields, these scales carry traces of alchemical residue, making them resistant to elemental magic.]

    Daisuke combed his fingers through his hair. After unlocking the Perception stat, I found that I could now view additional information about monster materials, including their rarity. Perception seems like one of those versatile skills that offers a wide range of benefits.

    As for regular players, I think it¡¯s likely a case where a basic appraisal skill is learned through a mandatory low-level quest at the beginning of the game¡ªsomething straightforward like assisting a blacksmith or a merchant with a simple task.

    But more importantly, this item¡­

    [Homunculus Serum (Residue)]

    [Category: Alchemy Material

    Quantity: 1

    Rarity: Unique

    A curious fluid that seeped from the homunculus¡¯s corpse after its demise as a result of its highly immiscible properties. Now exhibiting a slightly coagulated consistency, this serum possesses mysterious qualities that make it a valuable component for skilled alchemists. However, its unsettling origins provoke ethical questions and caution in its use.]

    Daisuke laced his fingers beneath his chin contemplatively, his eyes half-lidded. It feels like the more I¡¯m exposed to alchemy, the more confusing and terrifying it becomes. I vividly remember that bastard shoving something down his lackey¡¯s throat before he transformed into a monster. Reginald used a different method on his mother, but the result was more or less the same. Those two are more alike than they realize.

    But, seriously, aside from Reinforcement Tablets and Celestial Cubes, is there anything else positive that alchemy has to offer? Even mana crystals give me the creeps. Just like in the real world, I¡¯m starting to think¡ª

    Before Daisuke could finish his train of thought, a familiar growl reached his ears. ¡°Oh, come on,¡± he sighed, pushing himself to his feet with a lazy stretch. ¡°It was just a few of your pals. Why are you guys always so hung up on revenge?¡±

    It was uncertain whether Kobolds could understand the human language, but the creatures sneered at the boy¡¯s patronizing remark, inching closer with their menacing fangs and claws on display. Zephyr didn¡¯t seem too disappointed about abandoning his bone. He flashed a wicked grin as he squared off against the daring reptiles, his claws digging into the ground.

    Daisuke summoned the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang in his hand, his expression indifferent as he threw himself into the fray alongside his partner, cleaving through their foes like wet clay. While Zephyr was having a field day obliterating the enemies that were several levels below them, Daisuke was deep in thought.

    I ventured farther east and have wiped out hordes of general-class mobs, way stronger than the ones near Wonderelle, but the EXP gain is barely anything. This is ridiculous! All that hard work, and it feels like I¡¯m getting the same lousy return as dealing with the cost of living back in the real world.

    CLANG!

    A barbed tail, bristling with spikes like a porcupine¡¯s quills, crashed violently against a barrier evoked by a perfectly timed parry. Daisuke¡¯s eyes gleamed with cold menace, reflecting the brilliant blue sparks that erupted from the hexagonal shield.

    [Needletail Kobold | Lvl 24 | General | HP: 1108/1479]

    The Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang sliced through the air with deadly purpose, weaving a sharp, intricate web that rendered the fiend into lifeless chunks in the blink of an eye.

    DING!

    [129 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    That¡¯s insane! Daisuke fumed inwardly, clearly irritated. Between Zephyr and me, that¡¯s only 215 EXP¡ªmeaning we¡¯d have to take down well over a thousand mobs just to level up once!

    There¡¯s something I¡¯m curious about, Daisuke thought, launching a Kobold with a clean roundhouse kick. In other MMOs that I¡¯ve played, there was this sweet spot¡ªif a player was exactly 10 levels lower than the mob, it was the ideal level gap for grinding optimal EXP.

    But the mobs here aren¡¯t exactly tough. I¡¯m level 34, and the strongest mobs around are these level 24 Kobolds. Maybe I¡¯ll run into something stronger on the way to Lunarel.

    ¡°In the meantime,¡± Daisuke muttered, springing onto a high tree branch for what felt like the thousandth time, ¡°I¡¯ll continue scanning for Field Bosses and Dungeons. One Hilitroll Chief is worth more than several hundred of these weaklings¡ªso if I want to power up fast, I need to start focusing on the rarer game.¡±

    Ignoring Zephyr who was clearly lost in a sea of euphoria while massacring the Kobolds, Daisuke activated the Eye of Verity. Instantly, his vision expanded, the world around him sharpening with crystal clarity. Squinting against the harsh sunbeams, he scanned the surroundings, his senses heightened and alert¡ª

    DING!

    [The proficiency of the active skill ?Eye of Verity? has advanced to level 3! The affiliated active skills ?Bird¡¯s-Eye View? and ?Eagle Eye? have been acquired.]

    [Eye of Verity]

    [Rank: Unique

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 3

    Proficiency: 0.6%

    Your inherent distrust of people and desire for transparency have culminated in this power bestowed through Alchemy.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Endows the wielder with the ability to discern truth from falsehood, analyze target stats, and glimpse beyond the boundaries of reality.

    ?? Unlocks the ?Sixth Sense? skill

    ?? Unlocks the ?Bird¡¯s-Eye View? skill

    ?? Unlocks the ?Eagle Eye? skill

    Stamina Cost: 0.7% ? Second

    Skill Cooldown: None]

    [Bird¡¯s-Eye View]

    [Rank: Rare

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Harnessing the ability to transcend ground-level perspective, this skill allows the user to view the world from above as if soaring on wings. Enemies, terrain, and traps become visible from an aerial vantage point, offering tactical insight.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Temporarily shifts your perspective to a bird¡¯s-eye view.

    Mana Cost: 50

    Skill Duration: 40 Seconds

    Skill Cooldown: 5 Minutes]

    [Eagle Eye]

    [Rank: Rare

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    This skill grants unparalleled vision, allowing the user to clearly see across vast distances up to 800 meters. Whether spotting distant enemies, hidden threats, or crucial details in the landscape, nothing escapes your enhanced gaze.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Extends your sight to 800 meters.

    Mana Cost: 50

    Skill Duration: 40 Seconds

    Skill Cooldown: 5 Minutes]

    The world looked unfamiliar from an aerial point of view. Considering the fact that the Arcanium Kingdom experienced lighter winters, multicolored leaves still clung to the trees as the season gradually shifted to winter. It was breathtaking.

    Using both newly acquired skills in tandem, Daisuke began scoring the forested landscape. His eyes widened in surprise as his field of vision expanded dramatically. It was like his eyes were linked to a drone¡ªno, more like being fully immersed in the Google Earth application. The sensation disoriented him briefly, but his Composure stat quickly settled the dizziness, grounding his senses.

    ¡°This is unbelievable!¡± he marveled, his gaze sweeping over the vast expanse of treetops. He had to remind himself to stay still, knowing one wrong step would send him plummeting from his lofty perch and landing flat on his face.

    All of a sudden, an orange aura as large as a mountain caught his eye, glowing brightly from the northwestern coastal region, and it left him utterly speechless. ¡°Isn¡¯t that near Dusthaven?¡± he muttered in disbelief. The source of the glow was over 800 meters away¡ªwell beyond the reach of his heightened gaze.

    ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen an aura that big, and orange, no less! What could it be?¡± He clenched his fists, torn by curiosity. ¡°Damn! I want to check it out, but I can¡¯t turn back now. Guess it¡¯ll have to wait for another time.¡±

    As the final set of words faded from his lips, Daisuke¡¯s attention was snagged by something else¡ªless mysterious, yet equally intriguing. A faint green glow shimmered just beyond his range of sight, which he was almost certain marked the presence of Field Bosses.

    He was about to call out to Zephyr, who had nearly finished exacting his delicious vengeance on the reptilians, when he suddenly froze. His expression darkened, and his senses honed in on something far off in the distance, something unsettling¡­ and possibly alive.

    Without a second thought, Daisuke willed a kunai into his hand and hurled it with lethal precision. His golden eyes glinted as the blade sliced effortlessly through the thick forest foliage.

    CLANG!

    The weapon embedded itself deep into a tree trunk, and for a brief moment, the forest remained still. Then, slowly, as if peeling away from the shadows themselves, a creature began to materialize around the kunai, its natural camouflage fading as its lifeless form was revealed.

    Daisuke frowned. A chameleon?

    Since unlocking the Sixth Sense skill, he had grown accustomed to the unsettling feeling of being watched. It lingered like a nagging whisper in the back of his mind, never fully retreating, never allowing him to relax. For the longest time, he chalked it up to paranoia, maybe even a touch of PTSD.

    But now, with the combined power of Eagle Eye, the truth became undeniable. That eerie sensation wasn¡¯t just a product of his imagination; he was being closely monitored all along. But the pressing question loomed larger than ever: by whom?

    ¡°Looks like the perfect candidate for a familiar,¡± Daisuke murmured, leaning in for a closer inspection of the motionless creature.

    Zephyr cocked his head curiously, hanging off Daisuke¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°I have a feeling it was staying just beyond my line of sight, but I bet it never anticipated I¡¯d acquire a skill that lets me see 800 meters away. But lingering here to come up with wild theories isn¡¯t going to help me. I can sense trouble brewing on the horizon, and the best I can do right now is get ready for whatever lies ahead.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes flashed as he turned in the direction of the green aura he¡¯d seen earlier, an evil smile teasing his lips.

 CHAPTER 126: Green Aura â€“ The Pursuit for Field Bosses

    A lone Mithrilcrest Deer galloped frantically across an open field, its once graceful speed hindered by the weight of its swollen belly. Each breath came in ragged bursts, and its nostrils flared as panic fueled its flight.

    Beneath the surface, a menacing predator tunneled closer, relentless in its pursuit. The mother dared not glance back, pouring every ounce of strength into her legs, her only hope lying in the dense forest ahead. Safety seemed so close¡ªjust within reach¡ªbut before she could cross the threshold into the sanctuary of the trees¡ª

    SWISH!

    A shadowy appendage erupted from the earth, spearing the Mithrilcrest Deer¡¯s hind leg. The once-majestic tranquilid let out a piercing cry, its graceful dash brought to a brutal stop as venom surged through its veins. The neurotoxin worked quickly, seizing its muscles, robbing it of the strength that once drove its breathtaking speed.

    Suddenly, a tremor rippled beneath its hooves, the earth buckling with a thunderous crack. The Mithrilcrest Deer staggered, panic surging through its veins as the ground split open. From the chasm emerged a serpentine predator, its gaping, round maw lined with jagged, saliva-dripping teeth resembling that of a leech. Flanking its body were mole-like hands and several slithering tentacles, each ending in razor-sharp, blade-like tips.

    The tranquilid¡¯s final, desperate attempt to flee was in vain as its limbs went numb, betraying the creature to a grim fate. The Fossorial Ekimmu slithered closer, its bladed tendril extending menacingly from its maw. Just as it prepared to strike, a kunai whistled through the air, embedding itself beside its webbed foot.

    The monstrous predator hesitated, its gaze shifting to the kunai. Too late, it noticed the yellow bead attached to the hilt, faint sparks already flickering around it. Before it could retreat, a torrent of electricity exploded from the bead, engulfing the fiend in a violent storm of crackling energy. Its grotesque body seized and convulsed under the onslaught.

    Just as the creature raised a tentacle to swat the threat away, Daisuke touched down behind it in a silent, graceful descent, his dagger gleaming ominously in his hand.

    Before the creature could whirl around in outrage to confront the uninvited guest, radiant silver arcs traced across its ghastly form, the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang¡¯s lethal path carved into its flesh. In the next heartbeat, the beast crumbled to the ground, its body falling apart into gory chunks, shredded with such precision that it never had a chance to comprehend its own demise.

    Insta-Kill!

    DING!

    [Haxks has slain the Field Boss ?Fossorial Ekimmu?.]

    Daisuke regarded the blood dripping from his blade and sighed. ¡°Cleave¡¯s gonna kill me for filleting his precious Field Boss.¡±

    [25,200 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [Emberwoven Tunic]

    [Small HP Recovery Potion x4 has been acquired.]

    [Antidote x3 has been acquired.]

    [Reinforcement Tablet has been acquired.]

    [Celestial Cube (White) has been acquired.]

    [Crystalized Poison Sac x2 has been acquired.]

    [Gold Ore has been acquired.]

    [Gold Ingot has been acquired.]

    [277 gold has been acquired.]

    After stowing the remains of the slain Field Boss in his inventory, just as he had with the Exiled Hilitroll Chief, Daisuke turned his attention to the trembling Mithrilcrest Deer. The creature¡¯s once graceful form was now frail, its strength sapped by the Ekimmu¡¯s venom. The toxin had thinned its blood, causing its wounds to bleed profusely, leaving the majestic deer weakened and vulnerable.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes softened with concern as he carefully approached. If it loses any more blood, it won¡¯t survive¡ªwait, isn¡¯t it pregnant? Kaine did mention that they¡¯re a critically endangered species. In that case¡­ I have to help it. Once the Field Boss respawns, it¡¯ll just end up on the dinner menu again away.

    The Mithrilcrest Deer didn¡¯t care to find out what Daisuke¡¯s intentions were; survival was its sole focus. It thrashed about wildly, driven by instinct, but its frantic efforts only aggravated the gaping wound and further endangered its unborn fawn.

    Should I try knocking it unconscious or something?

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    Just as Daisuke prepared to summon his Magic Chains to restrain the creature, the Mithrilcrest Deer caught sight of Zephyr draped over his shoulder like a beach towel. In that brief moment, their eyes locked, and it felt as though time itself had paused.

    A strange, unspoken connection hung in the air, a force so palpable that even Daisuke could sense it. The deer¡¯s frantic movements ceased in an instant, and with a slow, deliberate motion, it bowed its head in quiet surrender, as if recognizing something far greater than itself.

    Daisuke couldn¡¯t quite understand the sudden shift in demeanor, but with no time to spare, he quickly willed an antidote and a potion into his hand. Carefully, he administered them to the once-panicked tranquilid that was now oddly submissive.

    Relief washed over him as its hind leg gradually healed and life flickered back into its luminous eyes. To his surprise, the majestic creature, now free from pain, nuzzled him gently in thanks. Then, in a tender gesture, it softly licked Zephyr¡¯s ear, causing the wolf pup to stir slightly, still draped over Daisuke¡¯s shoulder.

    I¡¯ll probably just keep it in my inventory for now until I can find a secure place for it to give birth, Daisuke thought as he reciprocated the creature¡¯s affection by caressing its chin. ¡°But that confirms it¡ªField Bosses can be identified by a green aura. Also¡­¡±

    [Battle Bow]

    [Emberwoven Tunic]

    [Salamander¡¯s Claw]

    ¡°Not only do they give huge amounts of EXP, but they also tend to drop solid equipment and valuable materials. They¡¯re absolutely worth tracking down.¡±

    [Battle Bow +1]

    [Rank: Rare

    Type: Bow

    Melee Attack Power: 24~27 | Durability: 61/65 | Accuracy: 32 | Attack Distance: 18

    The Battle Bow, crafted from ancient oakwood, is imbued with subtle enchantments that enhance the wielder¡¯s precision and agility. Its taut string and lightweight design make it a favorite among skilled archers, allowing for swift, deadly strikes. Though unassuming in appearance, the Battle Bow holds the potential to turn the tide of battle in capable hands.

    ?? Agility +2

    ?? Critical Hit Chance +3%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 5+ | Strength 8+ | Stamina 3+]

    [Emberwoven Tunic +2]

    [Rank: Rare

    Type: Garment | Breastplate

    Durability: 40/43 | Magical Defense: 6.2 | Fire Resistance: +8%

    A finely stitched tunic woven with threads imbued with fire magic. Its wearer can feel a gentle warmth that enhances resistance to heat-based attacks, making it ideal for venturing through fiery terrains or facing flame-wielding enemies.

    ?? Fire Resistance +8%

    ?? Slightly reduces burn duration from fire attacks.

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 5+ | Female | Strength 7+ | Stamina 3+]

    ¡°Man, this is rough,¡± Daisuke muttered as he scrutinized the gear. ¡°Reinforced equipment that, first off, I don¡¯t even use¡ªand second, couldn¡¯t wear even if I wanted to. And they¡¯re all low-level junk. As for this breastplate, there has to be something out there that lets you override the gender restriction on gear.¡±

    Without much expectation, he scrolled to the final weapon he had received from the Exiled Hilitroll Chief. His gaze lingered on the floating image, fingers hovering as he contemplated whether this one would prove more useful than the rest.

    [Salamander¡¯s Claw +2]

    [Rank: Normal

    Type: Dagger

    Melee Attack Power: 59~68 | Durability: 58/62 | Attack Speed: +4%

    Forged from the molten claws of a ferocious salamander, this weapon radiates intense heat. Each slash leaves a trail of fire, scorching enemies with its burning touch. The Salamander¡¯s Claw has the unique ability to set foes ablaze, inflicting damage over time and leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

    ?? Agility +3

    ?? Chance of triggering ?Burn? Status +30%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+ | Strength 25+ | Stamina 30+]

    [Burn Status]

    [Engulfs the target in flames, dealing continuous damage over time, reducing health by 0.4% per second for 40 seconds. Duration can also be dependent on the level and grade of the weapon or skill used to apply the status effect, as well as the target¡¯s level of resistance.]

    ¡°Jackpot.¡±

    ***

    Perched like a bird of prey atop a lofty tree branch, Daisuke¡¯s golden eyes glinted sharply as he surveyed the scene below. A horde of Goblins marched through the thick forest, their crooked forms shuffling beneath the weight of their spoils. Hoisted above their heads were their latest victims¡ªcaptives still alive, destined for the grisly fate that awaited them in the Goblins¡¯ hideout.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed, honing in on the object of his hunt¡ªa small creature radiating a faint green aura. It resembled a Pygmy Marmoset, or Finger Monkey. It was bounded by sturdy vines and being carried by a fiend that seemed especially nimble.

    As if sensing his unwelcome presence, the Goblins quickened their pace, intent on losing their pursuer before revealing the location of their hideout. But Daisuke and Zephyr weren¡¯t about to let them slip away. Without hesitation, the duo plunged into the swarm, carving their way through the Goblin sentries guarding the precious cargo.

    DING!

    [Goblin Skirmisher | Lvl 21 | General]

    The air crackled with the sound of clashing blades and monstrous cries as the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang whirled with greed and precision, cutting down anything that stood between it and its master¡¯s desires. Zephyr, a blur of fangs and flames, tore through the horde in tandem, leaving nothing but chaos in his wake.

    But just as they felled one foe, another swiftly took its place, surging forward to block their advance. The horde seemed endless, a tide of snarling fiends that utterly refused to break. Then, the ground trembled beneath heavy footfalls. Bursting through the chaotic fray, two hulking figures resembling Hobgoblins emerged, towering over their lesser kin, their eyes burning with rage.

    DING!

    [Goblin Guard | Lvl 22 | Champion]

    Daisuke and Zephyr didn¡¯t slow their advance. The canine¡¯s claws gleamed like silver razors, while the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang shimmered in the dappled sunlight, both poised to tear through the incoming giants.

    Moments later, after finally stilling the raging sea of Goblins, they came to a halt after sprinting roughly 200 yards ahead. But the rest of the fiends clutching the valuable cargo had vanished into the dense forest, leaving seemingly no trace behind.

    Before Daisuke¡¯s eyebrows could furrow in annoyance, Zephyr caught a scent by a towering tree and urgently signaled to his comrade. His tail wagged eagerly, anticipating praise, but the moment soured as he noticed Midnight slipping out from the shadows of the massive trunk, clearly aiming to steal the glory for himself.

    The feline grinned smugly, its pearly white teeth a sharp contrast against its pitch-black coat. Zephyr snarled in response, hackles raised. While the two furballs tumbled into a chaotic, fluffy skirmish, Daisuke silently cleared away the foliage to reveal a tunnel concealed within the tree¡¯s hollow trunk. His eyes gleamed gold as they followed the faint trail that snaked through the tunnel, leading toward a mountainous rock formation to the left. It was clear where the Goblins had fled.

 CHAPTER 127: Claw of Fire, Fang of Chaos - A Dance of Blades

    Sunlight pierced through cracks in the cave¡¯s vaulted ceiling, casting eerie shafts of light into the thick, humid air. The cavern reeked of death, its crevices lined with cages housing terrified creatures, their pitiful eyes reflecting the grim scene.

    Along the walls were heaps of bones and half-devoured carcasses, filling the space with the stench of decay. In one corner, a throne-like chair, roughly chiseled from stone, dominated the area, its presence amplified by the grim backdrop of polished skulls stacked high. Beside the throne stood a wooden pedestal, and atop it, within a small cage, the tiny primate lay unmoving.

    There you are, Daisuke thought as he slipped into the cave. His movements were ghost-like under the concealment of the Shadow Veil skill, which muted his steps and cloaked both him and Zephyr in darkness. The skill didn¡¯t specify if it masked scent, but I really hope it does¡ªand that I¡¯m just overthinking it.

    As he cautiously approached the pedestal, Zephyr peeked out from beneath his shirt, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Midnight lounging on Daisuke¡¯s shoulder, looking far too self-satisfied. Before he could even remotely consider making a fuss, the disturbing sounds of the Goblins gnawing on their meal caught his attention, the sickening crunch of bones and flesh filling the atmosphere.

    The moment Daisuke opened the cage that imprisoned the curious primate, the potbellied fiends halted their feasting, their heads snapping up as they sniffed the air, alert to the sudden shift in the room.

    ¡°Keh?!¡±

    Gahgehk?!¡±

    ¡°Nhahh?!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s expression settled into a poker face. ¡°Great,¡± he grunted, ¡°so the skill doesn¡¯t mask scent after all. Well, that¡¯s good to know¡­ assuming that I survive the shitshow that¡¯s about to unfold.¡±

    Unfortunately for him, his intuition was more on point than he knew. In an instant, the primate¡¯s eyes snapped open and there was a powerful explosion that sent him and several approaching Goblins flying. As dust and debris swirled around them, Daisuke and Zephyr sprang to their feet, ready for battle. But they weren¡¯t the only ones prepared to fight.

    WHOOSH!

    A massive arm, fingers splayed, cut through the dust like a colossal fan. Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened as the haze parted, revealing a monstrous creature¡ªa hybrid with the bulging head of a toad and the muscular, towering body of a gorilla, easily twice the size of any great ape. It sat casually on its glorious throne while Goblins scrambled to fit its oversized frame into the mismatched armor pieces scavenged from people they had slain.

    DING!

    [Gorgothor | Lvl 27 | Field Boss | HP: 1051753/1051753]

    Daisuke¡¯s heart sank as he glanced at the creature¡¯s absurdly high health bar that was essentially twice the amount of the troll¡¯s. ¡°You ungrateful catfish!¡± he murmured. ¡°I came here to send you to hell in the most painless way possible, and this is how you repay me?¡±

    Zephyr leaped to the ground and growled, his gaze darting among the horde of Goblins slowly closing in on them. The creatures flexed their weapons threateningly, some standing before their burly god with blood-smeared faces twisted into dark grins.

    ¡°Why does this feel so familiar?¡± Daisuke muttered to himself as a sudden memory flashed¡ªthe Goblin Shaman and the bandits. The image of the worthless weapon the shaman had dropped only fueled his annoyance. But allowing even a sliver of his attention to drift was a mistake.

    Heaving a fierce roar, a single Goblin charged forward, its jagged mace raised high. Daisuke¡¯s body dipped low, his hair hovering as he braced for a counterstrike. But instead of driving the weapon down, the fiend dodged to the side.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed. A feint?

    Before he could catch a clear view of the Field Boss, the hulking beast tilted its massive head back, then whipped it forward like a mechanical slingshot. In a split second, a thick pink tongue shot out with the force of a ballista, striking his chest like a spear.

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    ¡°Guah!¡±

    The impact knocked the wind from Daisuke¡¯s lungs, his body curling as his feet lifted off the ground. But instead of puncturing his chest, the tongue latched onto him like glue, dragging him in like a fish on a line.

    With a deafening roar, the hulking beast clasped its hands together and brought them down on Daisuke¡¯s back with the force of a sledgehammer. Before his face could meet the hard ground, a savage uppercut sent him rocketing into the air.

    ¡°Kagh!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s body twisted in agony as the tongue, still adhered to him, yanked him back mid-flight, snapping his momentum. The next moment, he was met with a relentless barrage of punches, each blow like a piston firing from a Gatling gun. The final crushing right hook launched him through the air, his vision blurring as his eyes rolled back from the brutal impact.

    Time slowed to a crawl. Daisuke could faintly hear the muffled warning bells ringing in his mind as his HP plummeted well below ten percent. It wasn¡¯t just that he couldn¡¯t move; he was on the verge of losing consciousness.

    Zephyr watched in horror as his comrade, battered and bruised, was flung through the air like a rag doll, crashing motionlessly to the ground. Slowly¡ªoceanic eyes wide, hackles raised¡ªthe canine pivoted his head around, a fierce heartbeat jerking its tiny frame as adrenaline, mana, and a plethora of emotions coursed through his veins.

    A crimson aura enveloped his body as the Berserk skill ignited, infusing the raging deity with raw power. A menacing snarl escaped his throat, followed by the cacophony of snapping bones, tearing flesh, anguished screams, and the crackling of roaring flames.

    While Zephyr unleashed mayhem, Midnight stealthily emerged from Daisuke¡¯s shadow, clutching several vials of Medium HP Recovery Potion. With urgency, the Djinn began feeding the brew to its contractee. Within moments, Daisuke¡¯s eyes snapped open, and he jolted upright, his chest heaving, his face pale.

    ¡­If I hadn¡¯t arranged for Midnight to administer these potions in case of emergencies, I¡¯d likely be a corpse right now. That was definitely too close for comfort.

    Without uttering a word, Daisuke pushed to his feet, golden eyes blazing with disdain as he locked onto the Field Boss¡¯s sinister gaze. ¡°So, this is how you want to play it, huh?¡± he challenged, brandishing the Salamander¡¯s Claw.

    ¡°Keh-kehkehkeh~¡±

    The Goblin whose feint had allowed Gorgothor¡¯s attack to land let out a smug chuckle. It must have been contagious, because the other pot-bellied gremlins began cackling as well. Their laughter died abruptly, however, when a gleaming golden chain whipped through the air and wrapped around the feint-Goblin¡¯s head, binding it tightly like a trussed piece of meat.

    The Goblin squealed and thrashed as the chains constricted, but its fate was sealed. Blood splattered across the faces of its kin as its head burst like an overripe melon. The surrounding Goblins, seething with rage, barely had time to raise their weapons. In a blur, Daisuke blew past them like a gust of wind, rendering them to chunks of flesh.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 34 | EXP: 120,084/180,625 (66.48%)

    Daisuke held his post-attack posture, blood dripping from the claw and fang still thirsting for more carnage. His golden eyes flickered open with cold indifference as they bore into Gorgothor¡¯s.

    I may have seven levels on this thing, but just like Zephyr, boss monsters¡¯ stats are on steroids. If it had followed through with that assault, I¡¯d be nothing more than a glitch in the System¡¯s recycle bin right about now.

    Stirred by the slaughter of their kin, the Goblins erupted with enraged battle cries, surging forward like a raging tide to overwhelm the loathsome human. But a single glance from Daisuke set Zephyr into action. Tilting his head back, the canine let loose a howl imbued with the Antagonize skill.

    Instantly, the Goblins¡¯ heads whipped toward him, their bloodlust now redirected. Those foolish enough to recklessly charge forth were met by a searing wave of flames, their bodies melting away like wax under Zephyr¡¯s scorching wrath.

    Like with every other monster I¡¯ve faced, I¡¯ll stay true to my build and conquer them with speed and dexterity. It might be a drawn-out fight, but a battle of attrition is the best way to secure victory while ensuring my own safety.

    Daisuke crouched low, his muscles bulging as Stat Reset blessed him with the power he needed to succeed. In the blink of an eye, he was directly in front of the beast, his eyes stern, his daggers poised to taint and devour.

    With a deep grunt, the creature swung its massive arm in a vicious arc. Daisuke ducked effortlessly, time seeming to slow as the backhand connected instead with an unfortunate Goblin, sending teeth, blood, and an eyeball flying in a grotesque display of raw power.

    Ignoring the grisly scene, Daisuke retaliated by returning the creature¡¯s assault a hundred-fold, his hands moving like the blurred blades of a windmill as the Salamander¡¯s Claw and Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang tore into the fiend¡¯s side.

    The beast let out a bloodcurdling roar, swinging wildly in a desperate attempt to crush the infuriating fly. But each swing only found his own Goblins, reducing them to mangled corpses as Daisuke danced around the chaos with cold efficiency.

    STAB-STAB-STAB-STAB!

    SLICE-SLICE-SLICE-SLICE!

    Daisuke was reckless, relentless, and ruthless. His strikes were shallow, barely grazing the surface, but it was the sheer speed and volume of his attacks that made them devastating. Each cut stacked debuffs upon debuffs, weakening Gorgothor¡¯s defenses and stamina with alarming efficiency.

 CHAPTER 128: Beast Slayer, World Shaker - The Looming Price of Power

    STAB-STAB-STAB-STAB!

    SLICE-SLICE-SLICE-SLICE!

    Daisuke was reckless, relentless, and ruthless. His strikes were shallow, barely grazing the surface, but it was the sheer speed and volume of his attacks that made them devastating. Each cut stacked debuffs upon debuffs, weakening Gorgothor¡¯s defenses and stamina with alarming efficiency.

    DING!

    [The Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang option effect has been activated, inflicting the Bleed Status. The target¡¯s health will decrease by 0.5% per second for 30 seconds.]

    DING!

    [The Salamander¡¯s Claw option effect has been activated, inflicting the Burn Status. The target¡¯s health will decrease by 0.4% per second for 40 seconds.]

    DING!

    [The One-Hit Kill title effect has been activated, unleashing an additional 200% damage on the enemy.]

    DING!

    DING!

    DING!

    ¡°Rawr!¡±

    A mana-forged claw ripped through the throat of a Goblin without hesitation. Zephyr didn¡¯t pause to watch the creature¡¯s well-deserved demise; he was already leaping toward the next target, exchanging rapid blows. His Lifesteal and Magicsteal skills pulsed with each strike, replenishing his energy and vitality. Crackling blue lightning surged around him intermittently, arcing through the battlefield and electrocuting nearby foes.

    Cornered now, the pup darted back into the narrow passageway where he and Daisuke had first entered, drawing the Goblins after him. Their snarls filled the air as they waved their weapons, rushing in blindly. Too late, they realized they had fallen into a trap¡ªthe confined space leaving them vulnerable. Zephyr¡¯s plan paid off as a torrent of flames engulfed the pursuing horde, reducing them to charred remains.

    Daisuke leaped back as the enraged Field Boss spun like a tornado, its massive arms battering the nearby Goblins with the force of a wrecking ball, sending them hurtling through the air like fragile ceramic figurines.

    [Cosmic Cutter]

    [Rank: Unique

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Every fiber of your being is attuned to strength and speed. Energy courses into your weapon, enabling you to unleash a devastating strike with unparalleled swiftness.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Equally distributing all Stat Points between Strength and Agility amplifies Attack by 250%.

    ?? Once used, stat allocation returns to normal, and the Stat Reset skill is locked for 6 hours.

    Mana Cost: 150

    Skill Cooldown: 24 Hours]

    [Meteor Smash]

    [Rank: Unique

    Classification: Active Skill

    Lvl: 1

    Proficiency: 0%

    Every ounce of your being channels raw power, concentrating it into a singular, earth-shattering blow, crushing your target with the force of a falling meteor. When activated, all your stats are reallocated to Strength, allowing you to deliver an attack of overwhelming force.

    Skill Effect:

    ?? Reallocates all Stat Points to Strength, increasing Attack Power by 300%.

    ?? Upon usage, Stat Points return to their original distribution, and the Stat Reset skill is disabled for 6 hours.

    Mana Cost: 200

    Skill Cooldown: 24 Hours]

    Cosmic Cutter and Meteor Smash¡ªthese are undoubtedly my strongest attack skills. At first glance, their descriptions suggest that they simply tailor my stats to a specific build, resulting in a certain level of attack power.

    In reality, if I manually invest all my stats into Strength, pushing my attack power to 200, activating Meteor Smash would amplify that by 300%, catapulting it to an astonishing 800.

    While that sounds incredible, these skills are not without their drawbacks. Sure, they pack a punch, but is it really worth forfeiting the Stat Reset skill for a whole day?

    Despite being ravaged by both Bleed and Burn debuffs, the Field Boss halted its spinning, its bulging eyes narrowing on the target of its fury. With a sound that echoed like a mix of a croaking frog and an ape¡¯s roar, Gorgothor launched a sticky glob of saliva at the airborne human, aiming to pin the persistent pest against the cavern wall.

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    With perfect timing, Daisuke crossed his daggers, deflecting the vile substance with the transparent barrier created by the Impeccable Parry skill. The hulking primate banged its chest in outrage as the loathsome human safely landed on his feet a short distance away.

    As if possessed, the creature began to squirm, its cheeks and throat inflating to several times the size of its head. Daisuke¡¯s eyes widened in alarm. He considered using the Battle Bow or Magic Chains to impede whatever the monster was attempting, but it was too late.

    Pounding its chest like an enraged gorilla asserting dominance, the fiend unleashed a deafening shockwave from its lungs. The blast rippled through the room like a cyclone, sending the Goblins scrambling in a panic. Their desperate cries echoed as they were thrown into chaos, paralyzed and blinded by the brutal onslaught.

    [Paralysis Status]

    [Renders the target motionless by shocking the muscles and joints, temporarily incapacitating their ability to move. Duration is dependent on the level and grade of the weapon or skill used to apply the status effect, as well as the target¡¯s level of resistance.]

    [Blindness Status]

    [Plunges the target into darkness, leaving them incapable of seeing or coordinating. Their accuracy and dexterity plummet by 90%. Duration is dependent on the level and grade of the weapon or skill used to apply the status effect, as well as the target¡¯s level of resistance.]

    ¡°Aurggh!¡±

    Daisuke groaned, pressing his hands against his ears as blood began to seep between his fingers. He squinted up at the looming creature, but his vision swayed and blurred, making it difficult to focus on the monstrous form before him.

    DING!

    [You were subjected to a debilitating attack. ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing has countered the threat and preserved the integrity of your motor skills.]

    DING!

    [You were struck by an impairing attack. ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing has intervened, safeguarding the integrity of your vision.]

    ¡­This sensation, Daisuke grunted. It¡¯s almost like¡­ G-force. I remember reading that when G-force pushes blood to the lower extremities, it can lead to temporary blindness and other problems. Is that what I¡¯m experiencing?

    Shoving the thought aside, Daisuke quickly popped several Vitaberries into his mouth, desperate to heal his damaged eardrums. Just as he regained focus, he caught sight of the gloating fiend, readying itself for another strike. Capitalizing on Daisuke¡¯s supposed disorientation, the beast launched its thick tongue, intent on ensnaring and pounding him into paste.

    Daisuke swiftly sprang into action, jamming a Poison Bomb into a Goblin¡¯s mouth before kicking it straight into the path of the incoming tongue. Unable to stop the inevitable, the hapless creature got pulled into Gorgothor¡¯s gaping maw. As the Field Boss gagged on its unexpected meal, the toxic fumes spread throughout the area, poisoning both it and the nearby Goblins in a choking haze.

    SWISH~

    Zephyr darted through the remaining horde of incapacitated Goblins, dispatching them to the netherworld.

    BOOOOOM!

    Gorgothor let out a pained howl as a Flarial Seed detonated in its gut, its massive head tilting back in excruciating agony as black smoke seeped from its gaping jaws. The unfortunate Goblin that was trapped in its mouth fell limply to the ground, its head blackened and charred.

    Seizing the moment, Daisuke and Zephyr lunged at the floundering ape like a bat out of hell, their fangs, claws, and daggers relentlessly tearing into flesh like a hot knife through tofu.

    Suddenly, the Berserk skill wore off, and Zephyr helplessly collapsed to the ground. Just as the pup was about to be caught and crushed by the beast¡¯s steely grip, Daisuke swooped in, snatching him up and tucking him safely into his shirt.

    Without missing a beat, he activated Magic Chains and swiftly wrapped them around the weakened fiend. Then with a burst of energy, he leaped off the walls, propelling himself upward and kicking off the ceiling above.

    Unable to break free, Gorgothor tilted its head back and snarled, unleashing another sticky glob of saliva. Daisuke reacted instinctively, hurling a Frost Prism into the projectile¡¯s path, freezing it solid mid-flight before shattering it with a Magic Missile. In the next instant, he plummeted down like a bolt of lightning, driving both daggers deep into the creature¡¯s eye sockets.

    Gorgothor thrashed and bellowed as its bulging eyeballs exploded like overripe fruit. Just before its enormous arms could swat him away, Daisuke propelled himself off the beast¡¯s face, landing at a safe distance. Drunk by the embers of battle, and the all-consuming need for self-preservation, he slowly began pacing forward, his daggers slick with green blood, golden eyes gleaming with cold malice.

    Gorgothor sensed nervously as the harbinger of death approached, and a twisted grin spread across the fiend¡¯s features¡ªa mocking acknowledgment of its impending defeat. But it had absolutely no intention of perishing alone.

    With a deafening crash, it slammed its fists into the ground with the remainder of its strength, sending tremors rippling through the earth. The ground shattered beneath Daisuke¡¯s feet in a sudden, unforgiving collapse, sending both him and the monster plummeting in the gloom.

    DING!

    [Haxks has slain the Field Boss ?Gorgothor?.]

    [124,200 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [Level Up!]

    [Ironhide Bulwark has been acquired.]

    [Antarctic Balm x3 has been acquired.]

    [Lunar Dew x2 has been acquired.]

    [Reinforcement Tablet x2 has been acquired.]

    [Celestial Cube (Blue) has been acquired.]

    [Silver Ingot x2 has been acquired.]

    [Gold Ingot x4 has been acquired.]

    [677 gold has been acquired.]

    [Zephyr¡¯s level has risen!]

    ***

    While Daisuke¡¯s fate was currently shrouded in mystery, the same couldn¡¯t be said for his reputation. Over the past several hours, countless news channels, social media platforms, blogs, and internet forums across the real world buzzed with one name: Haxks.

    The unprecedented pace at which this person slayed special-grade monsters had captivated the world, sparking endless debates. Was Haxks a player or an NPC? And more importantly, how was it possible for someone to achieve such a remarkable feat? The internet was ablaze with speculation, and everyone was desperate for answers.

    The familiar chime of a popular theme song drifted from a large television mounted on the wall, filling the cozy living room of a family home.

    ¡°Give it here!¡± shouted one twin, tugging at the TV remote, trying to pry it from his brother¡¯s grip. ¡°It¡¯s my turn to choose cartoons! You had your turn yesterday!¡±

    ¡°Nuh-uh!¡± the other snapped back, clutching the remote tighter. ¡°I let you take my turn yesterday, so I get to pick today!¡±

    ¡°Says who? It¡¯s not my fault you gave up your turn, dummy!¡±

    While the twins bickered endlessly, their older brother casually swooped in and snatched the remote. Without even bothering to take off his school bag, he flopped onto the couch and urgently cranked up the TV¡¯s volume. The twins exchanged a glance but didn¡¯t dare say a word.

    ¡ª ¡°Welcome back to The Virtual Wire,¡± announced a familiar, energetic voice from one of Sehreneti Online¡¯s most beloved anchors. ¡°In the six years since Sehreneti Online launched, only a few events truly rocked the community: the initial release of the game, of course, and the rollout of the first expansion.

    Now, for the third time in SO¡¯s history, the community is in an uproar¡ªall thanks to one individual: Haxks! So, what exactly has this person done to shake up the game to such an extent, you ask?

    Well, finding Field Bosses, Hidden Dungeons, and Named Monsters is usually like searching for a needle in a haystack¡ªthey¡¯re nearly impossible to locate. But Haxks hasn¡¯t just found them; he¡¯s managed to take them down solo, all in an astonishingly short amount of time!¡±

    Chucking the remote aside, the teen paid no mind to his younger brothers who immediately dove after it like Olympic divers, tumbling in a tangled mess.

    Once in his room, he tossed his bag carelessly to the side, collapsed onto his bed, and slipped a Tootsie Pop into his mouth. Fishing his phone out of his pocket, he began scrolling through the latest trending articles: Godlike Hacker or the Luckiest Player Alive?, Haxks: Dev or GM in Disguise?, and Enigma of the Century. His finger hovered briefly before settling on The Mysterious Noob! How Do We Find Him? With a faint smirk, he tapped the headline and scrolled straight to the comments section.

 CHAPTER 129: The World Stirs - The Hunt for the Hidden

    Chucking the remote aside, the teen paid no mind to his younger brothers who immediately dove after it like Olympic divers, tumbling in a tangled mess.

    Once in his room, he tossed his bag carelessly to the side, collapsed onto his bed, and slipped a Tootsie Pop into his mouth. Fishing his phone out of his pocket, he began scrolling through the latest trending articles: Godlike Hacker or the Luckiest Player Alive?, Haxks: Dev or GM in Disguise?, and Enigma of the Century. His finger hovered briefly before settling on The Mysterious Noob! How Do We Find Him? With a faint smirk, he tapped the headline and scrolled straight to the comments section.

    [WillyWanka: First! ??

    Chipper-skipper: So do we have any leads on this guy?

    ButtonMasher101: Maybe xiang qiyun has a side chick who managed to get her hands on the master key or some¡¯m ??

    NoobNugget: Who¡¯s Xiang Qiyun?

    Respond_R@nger: Who¡¯s Xiang Qiyun? Lmao! This moron must have just crawled out from underneath a rock or something ??

    Vag-Smasher: @NoobNugget: Brah ????

    DarkInvader: @NoobNugget: Bro, Xiang Qiyun is the wizard who made SO! How could you not know this? Do you even play the game?!

    This post has been removed.

    PunIntended: Guys, let¡¯s not stray from the main topic¡ªhas anyone ever seen this Haxks guy before? Is he a player or npc?

    TickleMeElmo: I¡¯ve been following this guy since he cleared that first lvl 1 hidden dungeon. Since then, he¡¯s taken down five field bosses and a named monster. Spread out over a few years, that¡¯d be impressive enough¡ªbut in a single day? No way. There¡¯s got to be more to this story.

    Shellshock99: Wait. Isn¡¯t #haxks the same person mentioned in another recent post? Something about him being a scammer and pker?

    Scandalbag: Can you drop a link to that post? ??

    Shellshock99: Here¡¯s a hyperlink. You¡¯re welcome: ?Osten¡¯s Post?

    Scandalbag: You¡¯re kidding! Is that really him in the screenshot? But he¡¯s dressed like a noob¡­ and he¡¯s out there owning field bosses?!

    LOLLord: Pretty sure no npc would name their damn kid Haxks. This guy¡¯s evidently a player, and his username is that of a hacker. Mystery solved¡ªbro¡¯s obviously found a way to hack the game ??

    I_Squanched_Your_Mom: Well, I¡¯m not buying it. Aphiniti¡¯s way too advanced to let any kind of cheating slide, and the devs have already assured us that SO is hack-proof. Maybe this player has a unique skill¡ªor maybe they stumbled onto a new branch of the game¡¯s Main Questline that triggers rare encounters.

    HeartS!ayer: Check out the brains on this bloke ??

    OG0verlord: Instead of throwing around theories, I think we should just ask this bastard in person. He can¡¯t just be hogging all the glory for himself; he needs to share the spotlight with the rest of us¡ªand, of course, by us I mean me.

    NinjaNoodles: The guilds are pretty riled up right now. My friends are dying to find out who this guy is, you have no idea!

    kiSSm@gRITS: Me and my buddies are loading up on potions as we speak. We¡¯re gonna spawn-kill this nerd until he spills everything! You turds can stay here chatting away with your thumbs up yer ass ????

    ChuckleChaser: It¡¯s kool that everyone wants to interrogate and murder this poor bastard, but does anyone even know where to start looking?

    Professor_Farnsworth: GOOD NEWS, EVERYONE! I¡¯ve figured out Haxks¡¯ location in seconds flat. You all should feel honored that I¡¯m sparing even a sliver of my brain cells for your little cause. Four years ago, PunkyBrewster killed the Exiled Hilitroll Chief, remember? They posted about it on Read!t¡ªsaid it was in the Arcanium Kingdom. There you go! Now, get in line to thank me!

    PelvicThrust: This annoying narcissist may be on to something.

    Anonymous_Tipper: Haxks¡¯ last known location is the Nashua Forest northeast of Wonderelle in the Arcanium Kingdom.

    TickleMeElmo: If it¡¯s @Anonymous_Tipper, then the information must be legit. Gonna report this to the guild ASAP!

    NinjaNoodles: Wayy ahead of you! ??]

    As Daisuke¡¯s feats sent shockwaves through the virtual world, they hadn¡¯t gone unnoticed by a certain guild. In a spacious office around a sprawling elm desk sat Drake Ashborne, master of the Dragonsbane guild. His expression was a blend of chagrin and intrigue as he sifted through trending posts on Sehreneti Online¡¯s community boards.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Just a few months back, the player Haxks had not only discovered but cleared the first level-one Hidden Dungeon in the game. Back then, Drake had dismissed the feat as dumb luck. But now it was obvious¡ªHaxks¡¯ accomplishment was no accident. If he had slayed a single Exiled Hilitroll Chief sometime later, Drake might still have chalked it up to sheer luck, but this was evidently something more¡­ much more.

    ¡°I should¡¯ve looked into him the moment he cleared that dungeon,¡± he muttered, fists clenched tight in frustration. ¡°Now the whole world¡¯s caught wind of him.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being too hard on yourself,¡± consoled the Vice-Guildmaster, tilting her curved witch hat to hold the man¡¯s dejected gaze. ¡°There¡¯s no way you could¡¯ve known.¡±

    Drake frowned, refusing to be consoled. ¡°That¡¯s not good enough. Our members rely on me to lead them to greatness; I can¡¯t afford to slip up¡ªand this particular mistake¡¯s going to cost us big time.¡±

    In Sehreneti Online, second to top-tier skills, powerful equipment was what defined a player¡ªand individuals who had both advantages were the absolute titans and pioneers of the game. These elite players could not only tackle and conquer uncharted territories but also claim lucrative dungeons and drive the game¡¯s main storyline forward. Such achievements elevated them to powerhouse status, making them nearly impossible to unseat from their lofty ranks in the long run.

    As a result, the top guilds operated like ravenous vultures, always on the hunt for ways to consolidate power and outmaneuver their rivals. Haxks emerged as the perfect catalyst for their ambitions. If it was truly possible for him to locate the elusive Hidden Dungeons and Field Bosses, their wealth and influence could multiply exponentially, attracting a flood of prospective members to their ranks¡ªall within an astonishingly brief timeframe.

    Drake clasped his fingers beneath his chin, a pensive look crossing his face. If I¡¯d trusted my instincts, I would¡¯ve had someone investigate this guy before the whole server was out to get him. Now, it¡¯s a race against time.

    ¡°Your orders?¡± the mage asked, recognizing the familiar, calculating look in her Guildmaster¡¯s eyes.

    Ignoring the question for now, the man summoned a holographic screen with a flick of his fingers, navigating to the guild menu. His gaze fell to the list of members where the name ¡°S?ulEat?r¡± glowed, signaling the player was currently online. Without hesitation, he tapped the name and began typing out a private message.

    ***

    Moonlight cast an eerie glow as an assassin stepped forward, his expression carved in stone, eyes dark and void of mercy. His grip tightened on a massive scythe as he took one fluid step and vanished.

    A bandit screamed as the blade slashed through his spine in an instant, his body collapsing to the ground in two halves. The others barely had time to turn before the assassin swept the scythe low, the edge slicing through tendons, flesh, and bone. Limbs thudded to the ground, blood painting the earth in wet, crimson strokes.

    The reaper moved again, the scythe gleaming in the moonlight as it carved through the air. Its curved blade caught another bandit by the throat, hoisting him like a rag doll before tearing back with a single, savage motion. Blood sprayed, splattering across the assassin¡¯s face, yet his cold gaze remained unchanged.

    One bandit, paralyzed in terror, tried to flee, but the assassin glided forward, his footfalls silent as death itself. With a flick of his wrist, he swung the scythe in a deadly arc, the edge burying itself deep in the man¡¯s chest. A twist of the handle, and his target¡¯s heart ruptured with a sickening crunch.

    Hieeek! The final bandit stumbled back, collapsing in terror, the crotch of his pants darkening in color as he peed himself.

    But the harbinger of death wasn¡¯t swayed by sympathy. Without a word, his dark eyes exuded a cold madness as he raised his large and imposing weapon. The bandit¡¯s panic-stricken face was captured perfectly in its gleaming edge.

    As silence settled over the carnage, only the assassin remained standing. His gaze was distant, unfazed, until a soft chime drew his attention to a notification icon. Yanking the scythe from the bandit¡¯s empty eye socket, he casually drove it into the ground, then seated himself on the chest of the corpse. Indifferent to the blood-soaked scene around him, he opened the message waiting in his inbox.

    [Drake: I have a high-priority recruitment assignment for you. It¡¯s time-sensitive. Are you available right now?]

    ***

    [S?ulEat?r: Sorry, boss¡ªcaught up in an S-class quest that¡¯ll take several more weeks.]

    Drake exhaled slowly. The fruits of his blunder were already baring their fangs, but he wasn¡¯t just about to throw in the towel. S?ulEat?r was the perfect candidate for this particular kind of job, but he was currently preoccupied. And if he went as far as to refuse an urgent request from the Guildmaster, then the stakes for his ongoing quest must be pretty extraordinary.

    Closing the chat window, Drake noticed an unread message from his younger brother, Osten, buried among the sea of mail from other players. Normally, he¡¯d ignore it, but his instincts said otherwise, and this time he listened.

    Sifting through the usual mountain of annoying complaints and requests, his eyes eventually landed on a screenshot with a headline that instantly seized his focus: ¡°Haxks Starfrost¡ªScammer & Pker!¡±

    So¡­ this is what he looks like.

    Drake¡¯s eyes widened briefly as he scrutinized the image. At a glance, he was able to discern that the player¡¯s low-level attire didn¡¯t correlate with the extraordinary feats he had been achieving on his own. Clearly, he was wearing unassuming equipment to mask his true level and capabilities to maintain a low profile.

    The Leaderboard had recorded him at level one when he cleared that Hidden Dungeon. Assuming he¡¯d been playing solo since then, his level couldn¡¯t realistically be above 25. Since it was poor etiquette for rankers to target and bully lower-level players, Drake decided to send one of his newer, lower-ranked captains to approach Haxks for recruitment.

    ¡°I need you to reach out to Jace and bring him up to speed,¡± Drake instructed, a sly grin forming on his lips. ¡°To account for unknown variables, it¡¯d be wise to have reinforcements in place. But rather than risk drawing attention by sending our own guild members, let¡¯s contract a group of mercenaries.

    Jace¡¯s mission is simple: get this player to join the guild, whatever it takes. If he resists, turn up the pressure¡ªthreaten him with harassment and blackmail. And if that doesn¡¯t work, we¡¯ll keep spawn-killing him until he either surrenders or quits the game. If we can¡¯t lock him down as one of our own, then we¡¯ll make sure no one else gets the chance to.¡±

    The mage¡¯s expression morphed into a sinister grin, the fa?ade of her earlier innocence vanishing entirely. ¡°I¡¯ll reach out to Jace right away,¡± she promised, her voice dripping with determination as she turned to leave.

 CHAPTER 130: Covetous Pursuit - The Lone Journalist

    Daisuke blinked his eyes open, lowering the hands that had instinctively shielded his face. For once, he hadn¡¯t smashed his head against solid stone. The last thing he recalled was the floor giving way beneath him, the overwhelming sensation of being swallowed by a column of blinding light¡ªand the frustrating realization that he¡¯d missed the chance to secure Gorgothor¡¯s corpse before being teleported to God-knows-where.

    It didn¡¯t take him long to realize where he was¡ªa graveyard. The air was thick with the stench of death and decay. Standing at the center of a sprawling, sixty-meter crater, Daisuke scanned his surroundings, wary and alert. The skeletal remains of countless monster species blanketed the massive indentation like fresh snow on asphalt, though this sight was anything but serene¡ªit was utterly chilling.

    Activating the Eye of Verity, Daisuke quickly verified his location. He¡¯d somehow been transported into a Hidden Dungeon; the ominous purple aura seeping from every crevice confirmed as much. But was this twist of fate a blessing or a curse?

    ¡°I guess only time will tell,¡± he muttered under his breath as he started to climb over the ivory bones scattered across the desolate landscape. That bastard, he thought, recalling Gorgothor¡¯s malicious grin as it shattered the ground beneath him. Was this its ace in the hole, to trap me here¡­ or worse, to let me become fodder for the mobs lurking in this place?

    Willing the shiver creeping up his spine to cease, Daisuke carefully checked that Zephyr was still nestled safely in his shirt. The pup was sound asleep, the aftermath of the Berserk still weighing heavily on him. Afterward, he glanced at his HP, MP, and the cooldown time of his skills, before taking a quick swig of mana potion to restore himself. With a steadying breath, he began scaling the steep incline, wishing he had something higher up to anchor his magic chains.

    That would certainly make this a heck of a lot easier.

    Daisuke exhaled in relief as he emerged from the eerie basin, momentarily lost in thought. The scene reminded him of the catastrophic aftermath often shown on documentaries when dinosaurs were said to have been wiped out by an asteroid¡ªthough the scale of destruction here, he imagined, paled in comparison to the extinction-scale event that ended the Mesozoic Era.

    Mentally assigning the Dash and Shadow Veil skills to speed dial, Daisuke scanned his surroundings with unease. To his surprise, several other craters marred the landscape, each teeming with the skeletal remains of various monsters.

    Familiarizing himself with the area was crucial; he knew there had to be a foe out there eager to either devour or tear him apart. The first to find the other would hold the advantage, and Daisuke was confident as he had a particular set of skills that would grant him the upper hand in this grim game of survival.

    The Bird¡¯s-Eye View and Eagle Eye skills combined to grant Daisuke an aerial perspective of the dark dungeon, but it wasn¡¯t as detailed as he had hoped. A thick mist rolled across the barren terrain, obscuring much of the landscape.

    However, he could at least confirm that this chamber was the only one present, and its sheer size more than compensated for the absence of additional floors. The vast expanse stretched out all around him, filled with ominous shadows and potential dangers, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and anticipation.

    One notable feature caught Daisuke¡¯s attention: a towering tree in the far western region of the dungeon. It loomed like a natural monument, its expansive branches reaching skyward with an ancient majesty. Embedded within its bark were glowing chunks of mana crystals that emitted a soft, ethereal light, casting a gentle luminescence along its limbs and filtering through its dense canopy.

    The light shimmered down radiantly, illuminating the tree¡¯s vibrant emerald leaves and tracing the contours of its sprawling roots. In the oppressive gloom of the dungeon, shrouded in mist, the tree stood as a beacon¡ªa living lantern amidst the darkness. It was no surprise, then, that a small hut had been erected beneath its expansive branches.

    Daisuke approached cautiously, daggers at the ready as he felt a sense of unease wash over him. The patch of land encompassing the tree and the hut seemed out of place, as if it had been plucked from the pages of a fairytale. Vibrant butterflies flitted about, perched delicately on blades of grass that carpeted the rolling meadow. A small pond, framed by decorative stones, shimmered under the soft light, teeming with fish and other aquatic life. Nearby, a well-tended garden burst with color, a riot of flowers and plants thriving against the odds.

    This enchanting scenery stood in stark contrast to the looming, dungeonesque features that surrounded it, creating an otherworldly oasis amid the decay and despair. It was clear that the resident of the crude dwelling wasn¡¯t fond of strangers or trespassers, because it didn¡¯t take long before an imposing figure emerged from the building.

    The bipedal, reptilian humanoid towered at least twelve feet tall, its powerful frame and muscular tail clad in gleaming golden armor and rugged leather that starkly contrasted with its brilliant red scales. Two massive dadao swords were strapped across its back, their blades glinting menacingly in the ethereal light. Its striking blue eyes shimmered with an intensity reminiscent of a tidal wave, filled with both curiosity and a latent ferocity that warned Daisuke to tread carefully.

    The atmosphere shifted as the creature stepped forward, the ground trembling slightly beneath its weight. With every deliberate movement, it exuded an aura of authority, an unspoken command that hinted at the strength and skill it possessed.

    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    DING!

    [The Hidden Dungeon Boss awakens to your presence!]

    DING!

    [?Kaizyreus, the Weapons Master? approaches!]

    DING!

    [Kaizyreus | Lvl 430 | Named Monster | HP: 119411000/119411000]

    The blood drained from Daisuke¡¯s face.

    ***

    ¡°Kheh?!¡±

    ¡°Gheeki?!¡±

    A band of Goblins darted into hiding, making themselves scarce as waves of grinning humans swept through the dense forestry. Despite their innate loathing for people, instinctively, all manner of beasts shrank back, sensing the dark intent in the air.

    But these humans weren¡¯t here for monsters¡ªthey were on the trail of something far more enticing. Their faces, twisted with greed, betrayed their aim: they hunted a single, elusive human, a target precious enough to justify the ruthless pursuit unfolding across the wilderness.

    Dozens of individuals, mercenaries, and several guilds dotted the forest floor, exchanging gossip about a player rumored to possess a legendary skill¡ªone that not only allowed him to locate and one-shot unique monsters but also to transform rocks into gold and entire lakes into healing elixirs.

    As word of Haxks Starfrost circulated across the web, spreading like wildfire through online communities, claims of his abilities quickly spiraled out of control. Yet, even if most of these claims were exaggerated, one fact was undeniable and verified by the Leaderboard: Haxks had cleared both a standard and a hidden dungeon, defeated five Field Bosses, and taken down a unique monster. That alone was reason enough to justify the hunt.

    One among the hunters, however, sought a different kind of prize. Concealed behind a thick tree trunk, a male journalist quietly shadowed a group, eavesdropping on snippets of conversation exchanged between several suspicious figures. Leading them was a man outfitted in high-grade gear, his attire setting him apart from the others who trailed behind in worn, dark attire¡ªthe unmistakable mark of hired mercenaries.

    A crude, metallic device¡ªreminiscent of a modern-day drone¡ªhovered soundlessly beside the anxious journalist. Its mana crystal lens, enchanted to capture both visuals and audio, glowed faintly. Intricate runes engraved along the gadget¡¯s frame enabled flight, levitation, remote control, silence, and a host of other elements. These runes made the device both discreet and highly efficient for the task at hand.

    Fighting to steady his shaking knees, Nigel trailed the group as quietly as he could. But when a Honeywasp landed on his forehead, he barely managed to choke down the startled scream rising in his throat.

    ¡°What was that?¡± one of the mercenaries demanded, his sudden outburst stopping the group in their tracks.

    ¡°¡­I didn¡¯t hear anything,¡± replied another, glancing around.

    ¡°Me neither,¡± added a third, watching as his comrade peered suspiciously around, then approached the dense brush where the sound had supposedly come from.

    As the Honeywasp crawled onto his nose and settled there, Nigel slowly slid down the trunk of the tree that neighbored said brush, tears pooling in his eyes, his bladder teetering on the brink of disaster.

    Gripping his polearm, the mercenary edged toward the suspicious bushes, his gaze fixed as he prepared to probe them with the blade of the weapon. Nigel paled, sweat pooling beneath his chin. Just as his hiding spot was about to be compromised, a Bullet Hare shot out from the undergrowth and darted into the canopy¡ªonly to be brought down mid-leap by a ruthless volley of throwing knives.

    ¡°False alarm,¡± the man said with a frustrated sigh as he sheathed his menacing weapon.

    ¡°You bastard,¡± another man replied, a devilish grin spreading across his face. ¡°You¡¯re just itching to kill something, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s that obvious, huh?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± commanded the man clad in impressive gear. ¡°The longer we linger, the greater our disadvantage.¡±

    Nigel let out a sigh of relief, only to nearly yelp as the Honeywasp decided his nose was the perfect landing pad for its stinger. As it daintily buzzed away, he quickly peeked over the brush to check if he¡¯d been heard. With tears streaming down his face, he gulped down an antidote, his nose now swollen and glowing like a traffic light. ¡°Great, just what I needed,¡± he muttered, fighting to keep his composure.

    Similar to obtaining a driver¡¯s license, the minimum age to play Sehreneti Online was set at sixteen. However, eligibility extended beyond just age. Just as some individuals possessed a natural tolerance for g-forces or seasickness, playing Sehreneti Online demanded a unique kind of talent.

    Unfortunately for Nigel, he didn¡¯t quite fit that bill. To make matters worse, the game¡¯s hyperrealistic nature deterred many parents from letting their children play. Even with the option to lower the immersion level, the thought of being devoured limb by limb¡ªagonizingly slow¡ªby a monster was enough to instill a serious case of lifelong trauma, no matter how you sliced it.

    Fortunately, Nigel wasn¡¯t part of the game¡¯s diverse user base for the thrill of hunting, adventure, or glory. He was a journalist, and Sehreneti Online was his full-time gig¡ªhis bread and butter. By crafting informational and entertaining content in the form of newsletters, videos, and live streams, he could generate income across multiple platforms. It was a lucrative niche, provided one knew how to market their work and spin a compelling story.

    Of course, acquiring exceptional content material required a certain degree of hunting and exploration, but Nigel wasn¡¯t about to let that dampen his enthusiasm. As a journalist, he had the flexibility to choose a subclass that suited his reporting style. For those eager to get up close and personal during dungeon raids or guild wars, a tanky subclass might be ideal, allowing them to withstand crossfire and monster attacks. Conversely, if someone was more interested in covering stories about the undead, a clerical or necromancy class would prove invaluable for their needs.

    Nigel, for his part, opted for the assassin class. It was perfect for players who wanted to ambush and stealthily take down their foes. However, it also had a reputation as the go-to class for cowards looking to specialize in hiding and making a swift exit. When it came to leveling up, he employed a different strategy altogether: he simply paid rankers to ?power-level? or ?carry? him. In essence, while he maintained a safe distance, powerful party members would slay monsters, ensuring he received a full hundred percent of the Experience Points without lifting a finger.

    After downing a potion and witnessing his once-swollen nose gradually return to normal, Nigel took a calming breath and resummoned his drone. His instincts were rarely wrong, and this time they were whispering that following this group would lead him to great fortune¡ªand by ¡°fortune,¡± he meant a massive scoop that could make headlines and fatten his wallet.

    Though, if I had to be completely honest, I¡¯m curious about this guy in the fancy gear. Why does he look so familiar? Where have I seen him before?

 CHAPTER 131: The Reptilian Anomaly

    The color drained from Daisuke¡¯s face as he looked up at the Lizardman whose aura made him seem like a towering skyscraper, hundreds of feet tall. The oppressive energy radiating from the creature was so suffocating that Daisuke felt he might pass out at any moment. Yet, he refused to give the beast the satisfaction of relishing his fear.

    Mustering every ounce of courage he could find, Daisuke brandished his daggers, sinking into a battle stance as he took a steadying breath. But, no matter how he strategized in his mind, each scenario led to a single conclusion¡ªhis imminent death.

    According to Thalia, Unique Monsters belonged to a special class, each existing as a singular entity. For instance, the chimera that Reginald had created using his mother as a host¡ªit was the only one of its kind. Unlike average monsters, which could respawn after a set period when slain or captured, Unique Monsters would never return once defeated, for they were the sole representatives of their species in the entire world. Each one bore an individual name and title, and they were far more powerful and autonomous than their common counterparts.

    Named Monsters, however, existed in an entirely different league. Much like Unique Monsters, each Named Monster was one of a kind, but the System implemented measures to ensure they were significantly more powerful than the majority of the game''s populace. This balance was crucial, as Named Monsters were designed to wield considerable influence over the world and shape its narrative. Essentially, allowing them to be easily defeated would be a colossal waste of potential content, undermining the intricacies of the game¡¯s lore and the challenges it presented to players.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the creature¡¯s reptilian visage. For a Named Monster, he expected a bloodlust and hatred for humans that would surpass all other tiers of monsters combined. Yet, instead of the expected hostility, the beast almost seemed¡­ civilized¡ª

    The moment the thought solidified in Daisuke¡¯s mind, the Lizardman unsheathed its swords and vanished from its perch. In the next heartbeat, the tip of a blade whizzed perilously close to Daisuke¡¯s bulging eyeball. But instead of slashing through his neck, the sword¡¯s trajectory was aimed at something else¡ªsomething lurking behind him.

    KEEERIIICK!

    A monster¡¯s shriek pierced the air like a war horn, its brilliant, fiery aura illuminating the dark dungeon. The creature¡ªa colossal bird the size of a large house¡ªdescended, each flap of its wings unleashing a torrent of embers and heat that distorted the very air around it.

    ¡°What the heck is that¡ªa monster?!¡±

    [Raash¡¯vir | Lvl 257 | Giant | HP: 34795/34795]

    Daisuke squinted, raising an arm to shield his face from the broiling gusts and blinding light. Each powerful beat of the creature¡¯s wings sent waves of hot ash cascading down, scorching the earth below. As the flaming beast loomed overhead, the Lizardman surged forward with an agility that defied belief, wielding its twin dadao swords that glinted menacingly against the bird¡¯s blazing aura.

    Mid-air, he twisted like a spinning top, bringing one of its massive blades down with a force that could have effortlessly shattered stone. The strike cleaved straight through the bird¡¯s wing, and a deafening screech filled the dungeon as the severed limb plummeted, scattering molten feathers across the floor.

    The fiend staggered, thrashing as it tried to stabilize itself with its remaining wing, and with a vengeful fury, unleashed a torrent of fire upon its loathsome foe. But the Lizardman didn¡¯t flinch. Its powerful tail struck the ground, propelling it forward in a blur. Closing the distance, it unleashed a relentless series of strikes, its blades slicing through the bird¡¯s defenses, matching flame with raw, unstoppable force.

    Embers clashed with armored scales as the Lizardman maneuvered its hulking form, weaving past talons and blasts of searing heat. Each move was precise, calculated¡ªuntil, with one final, thunderous swing, it brought both blades crashing down onto the beast¡¯s neck, cleaving its head in a dazzling blaze of sparks and fire.

    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    The massive body collapsed in defeat, flames guttering out as they met the cold dungeon floor. Daisuke stood frozen, speechless, heart racing. But just as he steadied himself, a deep rumble echoed through the cavern. The battle wasn¡¯t over yet.

    KWOOOOAR!

    Another ear-splitting shriek reverberated through the dungeon, shaking the very walls as an enormous boar¡ªits size rivaling even that of the fallen bird¡ªcharged forward. Each thunderous step sent bones scattering, splintering under its massive hooves as it barreled through the skeletal remains littering the floor, eyes gleaming with fury.

    [Tuskanthos Swine | Lvl 242 | Giant | HP: 48251/48251]

    Sensing the boar¡¯s approach, the Lizardman unleashed a skill eerily similar to Magic Chains¡ªbut far more lethal. These chains extended like serpents, each tipped with barbed arrows that embedded deep into the bird¡¯s fallen carcass. With a guttural roar, the Lizardman¡¯s muscles tensed and bulged, and with impossible strength, it flung the massive corpse as if it were a mere leaf.

    Daisuke could only stare, utterly dumbfounded, as the surreal sight unfolded before him. It was like watching a praying mantis effortlessly toss a hummingbird, a feat that defied any logic or sense of proportion.

    The headless carcass hurtled toward the boar, a dead weight with lethal momentum. But the beast was unfazed. With a sinister grunt, it lowered its head, its thick neck braced and jagged tusks gleaming, ready to gore and shatter anything in its way, and not necessarily in that order.

    As soon as the corpse collided with it, the boar jerked its head upward with ferocious power, like a raging Minitaur at full charge. The bird¡¯s body sailed through the air, arcing high over the boar¡¯s massive frame. Unfortunately for the savage beast, it had fallen into a deadly trap.

    Seizing the opportunity as the boar¡¯s vision was momentarily blocked, the Lizardman lunged forward with blinding speed, a streak of silver flashing in its wake. Its sword arced in a radiant path, slicing cleanly through two of the beast¡¯s thick, muscular legs with surgical precision. The boar let out a thunderous roar as it buckled, its stocky frame collapsing as blood splattered the cold dungeon floor.

    The Lizardman¡¯s movements were fluid, precise¡ªone moment holding twin swords, and the next, one weapon twisted and elongated, morphing seamlessly into a spear. Without a second¡¯s hesitation, he hurled it with astonishing accuracy, the spear slicing through the air in a graceful yet menacing arc.

    The monstrous boar barely had time to register the threat before the spear plunged into its forehead with a sickening crack. Its roar died in its throat, eyes rolling back as the life drained from them. The beast¡¯s massive body teetered before crashing to the ground, the echo of its fall reverberating through the dungeon, leaving a heavy silence in its wake.

    Daisuke stood frozen, rooted in place. He patiently awaited his own demise, but it never came. Instead, the reptile slowly approached, its movements measured and deliberate, as if it were calculating its next move rather than simply succumbing to primal rage. There was an unsettling intelligence behind its piercing gaze, a flicker of awareness that made Daisuke question whether he was facing an instinct-driven predator or a sentient being that understood the stakes of their encounter.

    DING!

    [The title ?Congenial Denizen? has taken effect.]

    Wait, what? That¡¯s strange¡ªshouldn¡¯t that only correlate with people and not monsters? What¡¯s going on?

    DING!

    [The hidden class advancement quest ?????? has been received.]

    [????]

    [Quest Difficulty: Unknown

    [¡­]

    Clear Conditions: ????

    Rewards:

    ?? ???

    ?? ???

    Quest Failure:

    ?? ???

    ?? ???]

    Daisuke was torn between fear, excitement, and bewilderment, but before he could collect his racing thoughts¡ª

    ¡°Fascinating,¡± the Lizardman rasped, his voice a strange blend of hoarseness and eloquence. ¡°Humans, as I have known them, are oft consumed by greed. I find it curious that you did not seek to slay me at once in your quest for glory and all that it entails.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s jaw fell open. ¡°Y-You can talk?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± the reptilian responded, deftly flicking the crimson stain from his blades before sheathing them in one fluid motion. ¡°I am called Kaizyreus¡ªand, much like you, I too possess a home and a family.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s brow knitted in contemplation as the creature¡¯s gentle cadence, reminiscent of a bygone era, washed over him like a soothing balm. Now that I think about it, the Goblin Shaman could speak as well, but he was an anomaly. Named Monsters¡­ could they be closer to NPCs than mere mobs? That would certainly explain why the Congenial Denizen title reacted the way it did.

    ¡°My name is Haxks,¡± Daisuke said politely, a sense of reassurance washing over him as he realized he was no longer in danger. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Kaizyreus. If you don¡¯t mind my asking, what brings you to this place when you have a home and a family? Is there really no way to leave?¡±

    The reptilian turned his gaze toward a large skeleton that was reminiscent of a long-dead dinosaur, his eyes gleaming as a memory stirred within his mind. ¡°A demon, wielding the might of a vast army, laid siege to my home.¡±

 CHAPTER 132: Weapons Master â€“ The Spawn of Dragnir

    ¡°My name is Haxks,¡± Daisuke said politely, a sense of reassurance washing over him as he realized he was no longer in danger. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Kaizyreus. If you don¡¯t mind my asking, what brings you to this place when you have a home and a family? Is there really no way to leave?¡±

    The reptilian turned his gaze toward a large skeleton that was reminiscent of a long-dead dinosaur, his eyes gleaming as a memory stirred within his mind. ¡°A demon, wielding the might of a vast army, laid siege to my home.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s lips pressed to a thin line.

    ¡°While the lesser demons fought tirelessly to subdue my kin, their general and a sorcerer were occupied etching a sinister magic circle at the heart of the village. I sensed their dark intentions and launched an assault, yet the mysterious spell activated just as I struck down the mage.

    In that moment, both the general and I were whisked away to this wretched realm. The desolation you see before you are but the aftermath of our clash. Since that fateful day, I have been ensnared in this place¡ªdays, weeks, years blur together, for time has lost all meaning in this unchanging void.

    To survive, I was compelled to feast upon the enemy,¡± he confessed, gesturing mournfully to the vast skeleton, like a samurai revealing a shameful truth. ¡°After the demon, I turned my hunger upon the other souls birthed from this accursed place.¡±

    Souls? Daisuke pondered quizzically. Oh, he must be referring to the mobs he absolutely destroyed earlier¡ªthat also explains the mountains of bones that could probably fill a football field.

    ¡°Any idea why the demons attacked?¡±

    Kaizyreus shook his head slowly, his expression somber. ¡°We are but a humble and nomadic tribe, tending to our own affairs. I cannot fathom why we would draw the ire of such a calculated invasion.¡±

    Daisuke cupped his elbow and chin in deliberation. ¡°In that case, can you recall anything specific prior to being teleported? It could be anything at all, no matter how trivial.¡±

    The tip of Kaizyreus¡¯ tail flicked with agitation as he rifled through the pages of his mental journal. ¡°¡­I do recall, albeit faintly, the mage casting a wary glance at the magic circle when the demon general and I first clashed.¡±

    ¡°¡­Do you think the circle might have been damaged in that instant?¡± Daisuke speculated, his gaze shifting to the patch of land where Kaizyreus had sought shelter. ¡°Perhaps that disrupted the spell¡¯s inner workings and led to you being trapped here.¡±

    ¡°Mmm. That seems a sound conclusion.¡±

    Daisuke frowned, his thoughts refusing to end there. Those damned demons¡­ what exactly were they really up to? Were they maybe attempting to teleport the entire village here? But if so, why? How could they possibly benefit from doing something so extreme?

    ¡°Regardless of the circumstances,¡± Kaizyreus continued, his tone heavy with concern, ¡°I fear for my kinsmen and my family. As the leader of my tribe and the head of my household, it is paramount that I return to my home. I must ensure my legacy is passed on to my son so that the knowledge and techniques do not fade into obscurity with the passage of time.¡±

    Legacy? Daisuke thought inwardly. Does that maybe have something to do with his Weapons Master title? ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up too much, but I might be able to get us out of here.¡±

    ¡°What? Truly?!¡± Kaizyreus exclaimed, bounding toward Daisuke, his tail wagging like that of an eager hound, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

    Daisuke¡¯s expression turned stony as the reptilian brazenly invaded his personal space. Did I not just say not to get your hopes up?

    While the chibi representative of his inner self mournfully picked up the shattered pieces of his once grand perception of the warrior, Daisuke stepped back and cleared his throat.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to put this, but¡­ I possess a special kind of magic bag that lets me store living beings. I think it was providence that I was sent to this place, to perform a kind of divine undertaking. This has happened several times before in the past¡ªbut once my objective is complete, I usually get teleported back to my world.¡±

    If I try to explain that I¡¯m a player and the System will teleport me once the dungeon is cleared, it¡¯s unlikely he¡¯ll understand. Locals aren¡¯t designed to comprehend anything outside the game¡¯s tailored framework.

    ¡°And your task was to vanquish the evil that dwells in this place?¡± asked Kaizyreus, his gaze unwavering.

    Daisuke nodded.

    ¡°I trust you.¡±

    Eyes widening in surprise, Daisuke allowed a warm smile. Is this the effect of Congenial Denizen? ¡°Thank you. Before we try to leave, there¡¯s just one thing I need to do,¡± he said, moving toward the bodies of the recently slain monsters and promptly adding them to his inventory. Lastly, he approached the skeletal remains of the demon general and carefully secured its femur bone.

    DING!

    [Raash¡¯vir¡¯s remains have been acquired.]

    [Tuskanthos Swine¡¯s remains have been acquired.]

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    [Demon General Zar¡¯ignar¡¯s Femur Bone has been acquired.]

    Kaizyreus chuckled, fascinated by the way the corpses were promptly coated in what seemed like blue pixie dust before vanishing into thin air. ¡°Ah, I see you remain true to your nature as a human,¡± he mused, more in humor than patronism.

    ¡°True,¡± Daisuke conceded, butterscotch eyes stirring with warm emotions. ¡°But I¡¯m not salvaging the monsters out of selfish greed. Just as you¡¯re committed to your family, I need power and resources to protect the ones I love.¡±

    Kaizyreus placed a hand over his chest and bowed with an air of humility, his grace rivaling that of any knight. ¡°I implore you to forgive my folly; my insight has proven woefully inadequate.¡±

    Daisuke raised his hands in a dismissive gesture, a small smile playing on his lips. ¡°There¡¯s no need to apologize. I drew my weapon when we first met because I thought you were a savage monster¡ªand an incredibly powerful one at that. But you¡¯ve proven me wrong, reminding me that we really shouldn¡¯t judge a book by its cover.¡±

    Kaizyreus grinned, showcasing a row of sharp fangs. ¡°Wise words from a respectable human. I am fortunate that it is you who stands before me. Much like your divine quest to eradicate the evil that lingered here, perhaps our meeting is the will of the gods.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to think that too,¡± Daisuke replied with a sincere smile. ¡°Are you ready to do this?¡±

    The burly Lizardman stepped forward with confidence, nostalgia flickering in his oceanic eyes. ¡°I have been estranged from my home for far too long.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s not keep you waiting any longer,¡± Daisuke said as he summoned the Mithrilcrest Deer from his inventory. With Zephyr absent, he fed the deer several Vitaberries and Etherberries, hoping it wouldn¡¯t attempt to flee.

    ¡°Thank you for your kind offer,¡± Kaizyreus murmured, any trace of nostalgia fading from his expression. ¡°But I find myself lacking an appetite at the moment.¡±

    Daisuke smiled awkwardly. ¡°She¡¯s not food; I just needed to make some space for you. Anyway, I¡¯m going to take you in now. I don¡¯t think it should be uncomfortable.¡±

    Kaizyreus nodded, determination etched into his features. He honestly didn¡¯t care about discomfort. At this point, even sacrificing an arm or a leg was a small price to pay if it meant reuniting with his family and confirming their safety.

    His eyes drifted close as he was taken by the same mysterious power that had laid claim to his enemies. As a gentle calm and an inexplicable urge to sleep washed over him, the wishful reptilian chanted a prayer in his mind before drifting into unconsciousness.

    ¡°Okay, looking good so far,¡± Daisuke said as the deer delicately nibbled the berries from his hand. Tentatively, he ran his fingers along the length of the creature¡¯s long neck, hoping that this physical connection would allow it to teleport out of the Instant Dungeon with him.

    DING!

    [Congratulations! You have slain the Hidden Dungeon Boss ?Kaizyreus, The Weapons Master?!]

    [Celestial Cube (Gold) x3 has been acquired.]

    [Rune Tablet x2 has been acquired.]

    [Boundless Rune has been acquired.]

    [Armocidian Quartz ¡Á4 has been acquired.]

    [Cobalt Ore ¡Á5 has been acquired.]

    [37,295 gold has been acquired.]

    ***

    Kaizyreus blinked his eyes open, his vision hazy as he adjusted to the bright, natural light filtering through the trees. It felt like a century since he had seen the open sky, since he¡¯d smelled the crisp autumn air that now filled his lungs. He drew in a deep breath, savoring the scent of fallen leaves and earth.

    Slowly, he raised his arms, watching with fascination as sunlight danced across his red scales, each one gleaming in a vibrant, fiery hue. There was a warmth here he hadn¡¯t felt in what seemed like eons, a reminder of life beyond the dungeon¡¯s endless darkness.

    Turning his gaze, Kaizyreus locked eyes with Daisuke. For a long moment, he simply looked at him, his fierce expression softened by gratitude. Then, with a low, rumbling voice, he spoke. "For freeing me... I owe you a debt I can never repay. And yet, there is something else that I must request of you.¡±

    Daisuke smiled back. ¡°Sure, if it¡¯s something within my power.¡±

    Kaizyreus bowed respectfully. ¡°Thank you. Before I seek your aid, I must share the tale of my origins. Long ago, an ancient dragon named Dragnir¡ªonce a mighty Guardian Spirit¡ªwas grievously betrayed by its own kin. Enraged by this treachery, Dragnir vowed to wage war, wielding the unique ability to clone itself. With this power, it decided to forge an unstoppable army to crush its foes. Every ninth night, eight new dragons would emerge from Dragnir¡¯s essence.

    Fortune smiled upon the realm, as Dragnir was slain shortly after the first eight clones were birthed. With the death of their progenitor, the offspring lost their source of power and regressed into what we now know as lesser-dragons. Though they retained only a fraction of their original might, these lesser-dragons remained formidable, and their kind came to be named in honor of their forebearer, Dragnir.

    Haxks, these are my direct kin. Each of the eight is a master of a distinct discipline, and we share an unbreakable bond. The instant I set foot upon the surface again, a deep sense of foreboding washed over me; they are in grave danger. I ask only this: should you encounter any of my kin, I implore you to lend them your aid. Show this stone to any of them, and they will instantly recognize you as a trusted ally.¡±

    DING!

    [Kaizyreus¡¯s Dragonite Ore]

    [Category: Monster Material

    Quantity: 1

    Rarity: Unique

    [Forged within a dragon¡¯s belly, Dragonite Ore is among the rarest and most coveted materials known to humankind. Few blacksmiths have ever laid eyes on this precious metal, and even fewer possess the mastery needed to work it.

    This particular piece, bestowed by Kaizyreus, bears a finely etched symbol and pulses with the extraordinary life force of the Dragnir, making it an invaluable treasure for any craftsman bold enough to wield its power.]

    DING!

    [The hidden class advancement quest ?Forlorn Weapons Master? has been completed!]

    [Forlorn Weapons Master]

    [Quest Difficulty: Unknown

    Kaizyreus is not only a descendant of the ancient dragon Dragnir but also wields godlike proficiency with any weapon. Yet, tragedy often shadows those of remarkable skill or lineage. In Kaizyreus¡¯s case, his home was raided by demons, and his valiant efforts to defend his kin earned him a lifetime sentence within a dungeon.

    Clear Conditions: Earn Kaizyreus¡¯s trust and secure his escape from the dungeon.

    Rewards:

    ?? Weapons Master Class

    ?? Kaizyreus¡¯ Dragonite Ore

    ?? EXP +1,900,000

    Quest Failure:

    ?? Death]

    Before Daisuke could even begin to pale at the quest¡¯s ridiculously huge EXP reward¡ªor the daunting consequences of failure¡ªnotification windows kept popping up one after another.

    DING!

    [1,900,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Level Up!]

    [Weapons Master class has been acquired.]

    [Kaizyreus¡¯ Dragonite Ore has been acquired.]

    Daisuke accepted the Dragonite Ore with genuine appreciation, storing it in his inventory. ¡°Thank you for confiding in me, Kaizyreus. I promise to assist your kin if I ever come across any of them in my travels.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. It has been an honor to meet you. I am eternally in your debt for freeing me from that accursed realm. May our paths intertwine once more. Until then, my friend, may the gods bestow upon you all that your heart desires.¡±

    Daisuke waved. ¡°Safe travels.¡±

 CHAPTER 133: The Inevitable Confrontation - Join or Die!

    Resting in the cool shade of a tree, Daisuke glanced down at Zephyr still dozing peacefully inside his shirt. Then he turned his attention to his status window and ruffled his hair roughly.

    Eight levels from a single advancement quest¡ªI still can¡¯t quite wrap my head around it. Then again, I guess it makes sense¡ªit¡¯s a hidden class, and those dungeon mobs were all well over level 200. Honestly, I had no business being there at all; definitely dozens of levels way too soon.

    And that freakin¡¯ Gorgothor! That scheming bastard really thought it had me cornered by dropping me straight into that deathtrap. It might¡¯ve worked, too, if I didn¡¯t have the Congenial Denizen title. Without it, Kaizyreus would¡¯ve swatted me like a fly at his level.

    Anyway, that¡¯s all behind me now. But there¡¯s something strange¡ªdidn¡¯t I just complete the advancement quest? I¡¯m certain I did, so why hasn¡¯t my class changed?

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 43 | EXP: 40,959/288,906 (14.17%)

    Class: Dual Blader [!]

    Affiliation: Adventurers¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter, The Liberator of Races, Master of Djinn, One-Hit Kill

    HP: 9656/9656 | MP: 1255/1255

    Strength: 102 (+22) | Stamina: 162 (+22) | Agility: 200 (+35) | Intelligence: 53 (+10) | Dexterity: 42 (+75) | Composure: 28 | Indomitable: 16 | Perception: 5 | Stealth: 4

    Stat Points: 0]

    Active Skills:

    ?? Eye of Verity

    ?? Stat Reset

    ?? Alchemy

    ?? Intimidate

    ?? Magic Missile

    ?? Magic Chains

    ?? Impeccable Parry

    ?? Dash

    ?? Cosmic Cutter

    ?? Meteor Smash

    ?? Shadow Veil

    ?? Bird¡¯s-Eye View

    ?? Eagle Eye

    Passive Skills:

    ?? ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing

    ?? Novice Dagger Mastery

    ?? Novice Polearm Mastery

    ?? Novice Archery Mastery

    ?? Lightning Edge

    ?? Sixth Sense

    Gold: 260,780]

    Clicking on the icon next to his current class promptly brought up a notification window.

    DING!

    [Weapons Master]

    [Status: Pending

    Rank:

    Classification:

    Lvl:

    Proficiency:

    Class advancements become accessible at every 25-level interval, granting you the opportunity to ascend to the next mastery stage. You will be eligible for this progression once you reach level 50.

    Current levels remaining: [7].

    Skill Effect:]

    Before Daisuke could express any measure of dissatisfaction about the class description, a vague but unsettling sensation prickled at the back of his neck. He could sense the weight of various types of long-range scouting skills honing in on him, their attention sharp and predatory. In that moment, he experienced firsthand the raw feeling of being hunted. The metaphorical eyes that watched and scrutinized him from the shadows were cold and unforgiving.

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    In time, he could sense himself being surrounded by what felt like a small army. In preparation for the possible mayhem that was about to unfold, he donned his mask, pulled his hood over his head, and pushed to his feet, butterscotch eyes burning with an icy indifference.

    ¡°Hey, is that really him?¡± murmured one of the many players who started arriving on the scene in droves. ¡°Can¡¯t be¡­ he¡¯s just a kid.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s definitely level-one gear for sure,¡± said another, brow furrowed in disbelief.

    ¡°How¡¯s he managing to take down so many rare mobs wearing that junk?¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a skin?¡±

    ¡°Skins are only available during special events, you dolt¡ªand for limited times only. No way that¡¯s just cosmetic.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to convince him to join our party,¡± one player declared.

    ¡°Forget parties,¡± someone else interjected. ¡°I pooled all the gold from my guild to offer as tribute if he¡¯ll join us.¡±

    ¡°Who the hell cares about partying or being guildmates with this guy; I just need to know how he¡¯s become a magnet to Field Bosses and Hidden Dungeons.¡±

    ¡°If he won¡¯t share his secrets willingly,¡± growled a man brandishing a lance, his eyes narrowing, ¡°I¡¯ll carve him to pieces until he does.¡±

    Daisuke stood alone, facing down a mob of players whose intent was clear from the glint of their weapons and the cold determination in their eyes. And yet, he didn¡¯t display any signs of fear¡ªinstead, a dark aura seemingly rolled off his body like a toxic miasma, a pair of golden eyes gleaming, piercing through the shadows that clung to his black-clad figure.

    Rather than charging in, the players¡ªdespite their clear advantage in numbers¡ªremained rooted in place, their courage now overshadowed by the dark, foreboding presence before them. Rumors of Haxks¡ªonly level 25¡ªsingle-handedly taking down Field Bosses, even Gorgothor that was of a higher level, made them second-guess every step.

    Their caution held firm.

    Except for one.

    ¡°Idiots,¡± scoffed a man clad in impressive leather armor as he swaggered forward, confidently taking center stage. Behind him loomed an entourage of grim-faced mercenaries, their intimidating presence drawing gasps from the crowd. ¡°He just soloed a Hidden Dungeon mere moments ago. Do you honestly believe he has enough stamina left to stand up against a force like this?¡±

    ¡°My sentiments exactly,¡± agreed a familiar individual who also took center stage, the upper section of his wand adorned with the intricate and revealing form of a woman¡¯s torso and arms, posed as if bound in servitude.

    ¡°And just who invited trash like you?¡± the other man sneered. ¡°I didn¡¯t think Field Bosses and Hidden Dungeons had any appeal for your kind.¡±

    Bendova grinned, his gaze slicing into Daisuke like a razor¡¯s edge. ¡°Even our guild needs gold to fund our¡­ preferred pastimes,¡± he defended smoothly. ¡°And, let¡¯s just say, I¡¯ve got a personal score to settle with this little prick.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less about you or your petty grudge,¡± came the cold response. ¡°Stand down, or I¡¯ll start by cutting down you and your sorry excuse for a guild.¡±

    Bendova chuckled. ¡°I¡¯d love to see you try,¡± he challenged.

    From the cover of the bushes, Nigel and his drone keenly observed as the fated confrontation between Haxks and a horde of indignant players unraveled. Several other freelance journalists were already beginning to converge on the scene, but aside from being far more prominent than his counterparts, Nigel had been the first to dig deeper into the story and had unearthed a rare scoop worth its weight in gold.

    The camera shifted from Daisuke, panning over to the two players who had broken into a heated argument. Those who had tuned into the livestream were treated to an up-close view of both characters, their rising tempers and tense gestures added a fresh layer of drama for the audience.

    [NightShade13: Trust my guy Nigel to get us the inside scoop ahead of the game! Bro even found the perfect spot to give us a prime view of the action ??

    BlazeOfGlory: Damn! I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s finally happening! ????

    GhostlyArcher: The fated showdown!

    ShadowKnightX: TAKE HIM TO THE GALLOWS! DEATH TO HAXKS! ????

    SteelVanguard: BRING HIM TO THE GUILLOTINE! ????

    CrimsonSpectre: Dude! Look at all those people! You¡¯d think a World Boss was about to spawn there or something!

    RadiantKnight: It was inevitable, really. Unlike other games, SO doesn¡¯t readily provide information through the System, forcing players to piece together every scrap of knowledge they can find. It¡¯s evident that Haxks has unearthed some kind of cheat, and now everyone is clamoring for their share of the spoils.

    IronRogue: Gee, thanks for stating the obvious, nerd ??

    InfernoBlade: Hey, isn¡¯t that Bendova guy the Guildmaster of that infamous guild? What¡¯s it called again?

    MysticShadow: Men of Culture.

    DarkOracle: Ha! That¡¯s just a generous way of saying they¡¯re a bunch of thirsty, desperate weirdos, always on the lookout for a new way to get their thrills at someone else¡¯s expense. Damn perverts!

    FiendBlade: They¡¯re just low-key pedos.

    Stonebreaker: They don¡¯t even bother to make an effort to conceal it in-game, do they? Did you all catch the rumors about what they¡¯ve been doing to the Florians?

    NightHowl: Tragic¡­

    Sausage_Party: No lie, my raging hormones were kinda hoping they¡¯d succeed with their plan. Blame God for creating puberty.

    SoulStealer: Brah.

    RiftWalker: You should be ashamed to confess such a thing ??????

    Sausage_Party: @RiftWalker: Lighten up, Moses¡ªit¡¯s just a friggin¡¯ game!

    Meowster: It¡¯s been bugging me for a while now, but who¡¯s the guy arguing with the pervert? Doesn¡¯t he look kinda familiar? ??

    BustyxBuster: Now that you mention it¡­

    Nigel: I suspect he¡¯s from the Dragonsbane Guild.

    RustyNeedle: YOU¡¯RE KIDDING?!

    RadiantKnight: That actually makes a lot of sense. Large guilds tend to earn bad rep when they interfere with low-level players, but this new guy isn¡¯t widely known yet. If he¡¯s part of Dragonsbane, he¡¯s bound by loyalty to the guild, which means they can trust him to relay any valuable information he gathers about Haxks.

    Pok¨¦gurl: I guess that also explains why he brought mercenaries along instead of his own guildmates.]

    DING!

    [Player | Bendova | Lvl 74 | Mage | Men of Culture]

    DING!

    [Player | FrostbiteNinja | Lvl 82 | Ninja | Dragonsbane]

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know exactly why we¡¯re all here,¡± FrostbiteNinja, otherwise known as Jace, sneered at Daisuke, his tone condescending despite his efforts to sound inviting and charitable. ¡°Your recent feats have caught the eye of many, including mine. As a captain of a well-respected guild, I¡¯m not here just to extract information like the rest of these vultures. I¡¯m here to extend an invitation to join my guild and offer you our protection. Among everyone gathered here, I am the only one truly standing by your side.¡±

    ¡°You conniving little bastard,¡± Bendova scoffed.

    Disgruntled murmurs rippled through the crowd at the man¡¯s underhanded ploy. Yet, if his claim held any truth¡ªthat he was indeed the captain of a prominent guild¡ªnone dared to raise their weapons against him.

    While it was widely seen as bad form for large guilds to bully low-level players, the dynamics shifted dramatically when such behavior was deemed justified. In such cases, guilds had a notorious reputation for pressuring players to the brink, often pushing them to their limits and driving them to quit the game entirely.

    ¡°So?¡± Jace asked, extending his hand with a sly smile. ¡°What do you say? Do we have ourselves a deal?¡±

 CHAPTER 134: Under Siege - The Price of Refusal

    ¡°So?¡± Jace asked, extending his hand with a sly smile. ¡°What do you say? Do we have ourselves a deal?¡±

    Daisuke remained silent.

    Bendova, however, let out a snicker. ¡°I¡¯d say his answer is as clear as day, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Jace seethed, his face flushing with anger. ¡°Don¡¯t be a fool! Given the circumstances, what other choice do you think you have? Step forward and accept my offer!¡±

    Daisuke held his ground.

    Several members of the crowd couldn¡¯t help but stifle their laughter at Daisuke¡¯s brazen dismissal of the man, and the captain¡¯s face flushed with rage. The humiliation of being so openly disregarded in front of so many witnesses was enough to shatter his composure completely. Fueled by his wounded pride, he cast aside his mission, driven solely now by the desperate need to restore his tarnished honor.

    [ChillDude88: This Haxks guy isn¡¯t exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, huh? No matter how many flashy skills he¡¯s got, there¡¯s no way he can take on that many players at once.

    LootQueen: Especially in that pathetic gear.

    Player1: He¡¯s totally screwed. That guy¡¯s just lost it.

    NoobHunter: Maybe he wasn¡¯t all that special after all.

    GamerNerd101: May the non-existent gods take pity on his soul.]

    ¡°You imbecile! You think you can just brush me off like that?¡± Jace barked, his voice dripping with contempt. ¡°You may have bested a few Field Bosses, but don¡¯t forget who you¡¯re dealing with. I¡¯m not just some low-level scrub; I¡¯m the fifth captain of the Dragonsbane Guild, goddammit!¡±

    [SlayerX: Oh snap! Bro¡¯s completely lost his shit! He¡¯s even declared his guild without thinking.]

    The fuming captain paused, his gaze piercing as he surveyed the crowd, gauging their reactions, daring another soul to laugh. Sensing their hesitation, he turned back to Daisuke, his grin morphing into a sneer. ¡°You¡¯ve embarrassed me in front of all these people. That won¡¯t stand. I¡¯ll make you regret turning down my offer.¡±

    With a snap of his fingers, the mercenaries immediately surged forward like a dark cloud, their weapons drawn, eyes gleaming with the thrill of the impending fight. Daisuke felt the weight of their collective malice pressing down on him, but he remained unfazed, a dark aura swirling around him as he slowly lifted his gaze.

    FLASH!

    The Eye of Verity, charged with the Intimidate skill, sent a bitter chill rippling across the battlefield. It was enough to make the onlookers instinctively take a step back in fear, but the mercenaries faltered for but a microsecond.

    But that brief moment of hesitation was enough to seal their fates. Daisuke swept past them like an eerie whisper¡ªa graceful dance of precision and death unraveling as his daggers took flight. In moments, the mercenaries crumpled to the ground, heads separated from their bodies before they could even react.

    A stunned silence hung heavy in the air as everyone grappled with the scene before them. As blood rained down upon those who still drew breath, Daisuke turned the weight of his golden gaze upon two others. His body shifted ominously as he squared his shoulders, his daggers stained crimson.

    ¡°M-Monster!¡± Bendova shrieked, spinning around and fleeing like a self-aware pig about to be slaughtered. ¡°What are you all waiting for?¡± he barked at his guildmates who stood frozen in terror. ¡°Attack him!¡±

    The first to answer the call was the guild¡¯s Vice-Guildmaster.

    [Name: Lolicon_Master

    Species: Human

    Level: 72 | EXP: 16,937/810,000 (2.09%)

    Class: Tank

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Affiliation: Men of Culture Guild

    Title: Perseverance

    HP: 9437/9437 | MP: 1032/1032

    Strength: 267 (+6) | Stamina: 223 (+4) | Agility: 86 (+4) | Intelligence: 144

    Stat Points: 0]

    ¡°DIE, YOU BASTARD!¡± the man roared, eyes blazing with a frantic mix of terror and fury, his face slick with cold sweat.

    Before the tank could even raise his sword, a searing pain erupted all over his body, and his world flipped. His vision twisted, flipping upside down just in time to glimpse the horrified faces of the crowd staring back at him in shock and fear.

    [Gummy_Bear: Jesus Christ! How many hits did he land just now? I could barely keep up!

    OGPanda: His attacks are weak, so he¡¯s stacking them with insane speed!]

    THUD.

    Lolicon_Master¡¯s lifeless body fell to the ground. It was only in those final moments that he became painfully aware of his fate, the cold finality of his decapitation settling in before he, too, was consumed by the familiar column of light that had consumed the mercenaries.

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes found their next target, and the man snarled fiercely, as if trying to subdue his own fear.

    [Name: FrostbiteNinja

    Species: Human

    Level: 82 | EXP: 173,867/1,050,625 (16.55%)

    Class: Ninja

    Affiliation: Dragonsbane Guild

    Title: Quicksilver

    HP: 6200/6200 | MP: 1820/1820

    Strength: 205 (+18) | Stamina: 82 (+28) | Agility: 410 (+22) | Intelligence: 121 (+9) | Dexterity: 2 (+20)

    Stat Points: 0]

    ¡°Fool. You think I¡¯ll go down as easily as those pathetic mercenaries?¡± Jace scoffed, his confidence overflowing as he relied on his superior armor, weapons, and level. ¡°You¡¯re fast, I¡¯ll give you that, but I see you; I¡¯ve been able to follow your every move all this¡ª¡±

    Before the man could finish his bold claim, Daisuke activated both his Dash and Shadow Veil skill, completely vanishing from sight and sound.

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 43 | EXP: 49,779/288,906 (17.24%)

    Class: Dual Blader

    Affiliation: Adventurers¡¯ Guild | Merchants¡¯ Guild

    Title: Lone Wolf, Pathfinder, Unwavering Spirit, Congenial Denizen, Master of Divine Beast, Devoted Hunter, The Liberator of Races, Master of Djinn, One-Hit Kill

    HP: 8754/8754 | MP: 755/765

    Strength: 50 (+22) | Stamina: 50 (+22) | Agility: 471 (+90) | Intelligence: 40 (+10) | Dexterity: 0 (+75) | Composure: 0 | Indomitable: 0 | Perception: 0 | Stealth: 0

    Stat Points: 0]

    Jace¡¯s jaw slackened in stunned disbelief. Flustered and wide-eyed, he scanned his surroundings frantically, his heart thundering in his chest, breaths ragged and uneven. Paranoia surged through him, clouding his thoughts as he unsheathed twin short swords with shaky hands, his every sense straining to pinpoint his invisible foe.

    Suddenly, a presence. Before his eyes could even register the blur that materialized low to the ground, his instincts took over. With a wild, desperate swing, he brought his swords crashing downward, putting every ounce of strength into the strike.

    But it was too late. The blur was just that¡ªa blur. The dual blades gleamed as they mirrored Daisuke¡¯s form overhead, his body twisting mid-air with deadly grace, his daggers arching downward like a guillotine. In a flash, both of the captain¡¯s hands were severed, the once-gripped swords clattering uselessly to the ground.

    ¡°AHHHHHRGH!¡±

    All traces of scorn drained from Jace¡¯s voice, replaced by agony and terror. Even as his body collapsed to the ground, ensnared by golden chains and wracked with the effects of Burn and Bleed debuffs, his gaze remained fixed on Daisuke, eyes wide with a twisted mixture of defiance and dread. The last flicker of his bravado played across his features like a dying spark as his killer slowly bent down to retrieve the dual blades beside his cold, decapitated hands.

    ¡°Idiot!¡± he laughed mockingly, a warped grin spreading across his face as blood splattered from the stumps of his arms. ¡°Even noobs know that weapons are bound to their owners. Unless you kill me and they drop automatically, there¡¯s no way¡ª¡±

    The man¡¯s words faltered and died in his throat as Daisuke swiftly equipped the swords and lunged at the fleeing leader of the Men of Culture guild like a dark plague.

    DING!

    [You do not currently meet the conditions required to wield the ?Frost Drake¡¯s Twin Fangs?. Consequently, the weapon¡¯s Attack Power and Magical Attack Power will decrease by 50%, and only a fraction of the option effects can be utilized.]

    [Frost Drake¡¯s Twin Fangs +4] ¡Á2

    [Rank: Epic

    Type: Short Sword

    Melee Attack Power: 767~865 ? 384~433 | Magical Attack Power: 1299~1492 ? 650~746 | Durability: 97/101 | Attack Speed: +8%

    Forged from the serrated fangs of a Frost Drake, this short sword gleams with an icy aura that chills the air around it. When wielded with its twin, the fangs unleash an even deadlier force, greatly increasing the wielder¡¯s chance to freeze enemies.

    ?? Agility +7

    ?? Increases Attack Power based on 4.2% of the wielder¡¯s Agility

    ?? Chance of triggering ?Frostbite? Status +15%

    ?? Wielding both fangs increases the chance of inflicting ?Frostbite? by 10%, and dealing Critical Damage to the enemy increases it by 20%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 80+ | Strength 185+ | Stamina 78+]

    [GamerNerd101: Is it just me, or did Haxks just pick up another player¡¯s weapon like it was nothing? ???????

    SnarkyNoob: Tha¡¯ heck? Is that another one of his secret skills?

    ThunderKat: I highly doubt it. Don¡¯t think that¡¯s a thing, period.

    PixelBandit: This may be a stupid question, but is Haxks really a player? What if he¡¯s actually an NPC?

    ByteMage: Now that you mention it¡­

    LootGoblin: Yeah, but he did pull those daggers out of thin air earlier¡­ ??

    BringYuhPums: Sure, but dat¡¯s possible wid a magic bag as well.

    GlitchGuru: Damn, the more we learn, the more confused we get. Who the hell is this guy?]

    Death.

    Bendova¡¯s face drained of color as what appeared to be the grim reaper bore down on him, golden eyes gleaming from the depths of its hood, promising nothing but oblivion.

 CHAPTER 135: No Mercy for the Greedy - Dawn of the Golden-eyed Reaper

    Bendova¡¯s face drained of color as what appeared to be the grim reaper bore down on him, golden eyes gleaming from the depths of its hood, promising nothing but oblivion.

    In a panicked scramble to stave off a fate similar to the one he endured before, the squealing Guildmaster unleashed a barrage of low-level fire spells, each one resembling a weak Magic Missile. But the Frost Drake¡¯s Fangs effortlessly cut through the projectiles as if they were no more than harmless leaves.

    TISHHHHHH~

    The flames dissolved into a smoky haze as they met the icy edges of the swords, casting a shroud over the battlefield. Bendova took advantage of the cover, slipping away to regroup. But before he could summon his allies, a sudden force hit him like a battering ram¡ªDaisuke, swift and merciless, drove one sword deep into his chest and the other straight between his teeth.

    WHAM!

    The bastard¡¯s back slammed against a nearby tree, the blade piercing through the back of his skull, embedding itself in the trunk. Almost instantly, the Frostbite debuff sank in, icy tendrils spreading out from the wound. His eyes widened in sheer terror, while Daisuke¡¯s gaze sharpened with pure disdain.

    He was done being used, done with being hunted, chased, and broken down. He was especially tired of being weak and feeling powerless. The taste of bitterness fueled him as he left the man pinned to the tree by the twin blades and drew his own daggers. With a snarl, his arms shot forward like bullets, delivering a ruthless flurry of stabs, each strike adding to the cascade of debuffs. By the time he was done, the man¡¯s form flickered and vanished, erased from existence.

    Time slowed to a crawl.

    The surrounding players stood frozen, their mouths agape as the vicious scenes played out before them. Emotions churned in the crowd¡ªshock, disbelief, and a palpable edge of fear. Yet, the lure of victory and the promise of rewards from Haxks¡¯s forced confession held them in place, outweighing their instincts to flee. And their sheer advantage in numbers especially bolstered their resolve.

    ¡°Stand firm, everyone!¡± shouted one of the Men of Culture captains, rallying his guildmates. ¡°No matter how powerful he is, he¡¯s still just one guy! He can¡¯t take all of us on his own¡ªand sooner or later, he¡¯ll run out of stamina!¡±

    Reassured by that logic, the players steadied themselves, weapons drawn and nerves steeled. A fierce battle cry erupted from their ranks as they charged forward in unison, each eye fixed intently on their mark, resolved to claim victory¡ªor die trying.

    Daisuke popped a handful of Etherberries into his mouth, feeling their energy course through him as he tore the dual blades from the tree, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent. Without a word, he chucked both a Poison Bomb and a Smokescreen onto the ground, letting the thick cloud roll out around him. Backed by ¦¡¦Õ¦É¦Í?¦Ó¦Ç¡¯s Blessing and the last two minutes on his Shadow Veil skill, he melded into the darkness, his presence vanishing completely.

    As the toxic miasma thickened and spread over the battlefield, the players tensed, weapons raised in defense, eyes scanning the dense smoke for any sign of movement. But within moments, their vision blurred, and the sharp sting of the poison began to take its toll.

    Panic spread quickly as confusion gripped them¡ªmovements grew sluggish, and health bars began to plummet. Some fumbled desperately for antidotes. Every second lost in their disarray was another step toward their inevitable defeat¡ªexactly as Daisuke had planned.

    In an instant, he darted forward like a shadow in the haze, the Frost Drake¡¯s Twin Fangs gleaming coldly as he closed in on his first target. Daisuke¡¯s initial strike was swift¡ªa slicing motion that severed the straps of his foe¡¯s chest plate. Before the player could even comprehend the loss of his armor, Daisuke spun low and delivered an upward slash across his chest, the icy blades leaving a trail of frost as the bastard stumbled back. Another flurry of fierce attacks had his HP dropping to zero and his body disintegrating.

    Daisuke vanished again, zipping silently toward the next bastard who was struggling to keep his footing in the blinding mist. From behind, Daisuke raised one of his blades and thrust forward, piercing the player¡¯s back and twisting upward. The warrior let out a strangled gasp as the brutal attacks kept coming. His eyes bulged with shock, his body convulsing violently with each strike as his health dropped at a terrifying rate. The sword slipped from his hands as his body froze, veins turning a crystalline blue before his form shattered into shards.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Without a shred of remorse, the apostle of death looked around for his next target. Sixth Sense increased Critical Rate by attacking the enemy¡¯s weak points, and by extension, Critical Damage increased the chance of inflicting the Frostbite debuff. Daisuke swept across the battlefield like a cold specter, golden eyes burning with icy indifference as he dispatched countless souls to hell.

    A burly player spotted him and charged with a yell, brandishing a spiked mace. Daisuke sidestepped the initial swing with a nimble pivot, his movements fluid and calculated. He brought one blade across the attacker¡¯s forearm, cutting deep enough to make the mace drop.

    Taking advantage of the situation, he leaped up and kicked off the player¡¯s broad chest, launching himself into the air and spinning. With a fierce downward slash, he drove both daggers into the bastard¡¯s shoulders, sending him crashing to the ground.

    [ViralPhantom: Yo, did you see those crits? Haxks is insane! ??

    CritMaster3000: And here I thought my crits were lit ????

    GamerGal42: OMG, he just pulled off that combo like it was nothing! #madskills ????

    RadiantKnight: Now that he¡¯s clearly using stronger weapons, his damage is far greater. But whether it¡¯s the short swords or daggers, his crit rate is insane! It¡¯s either at 100%, or Haxks is somehow bypassing the game¡¯s assist feature and landing those hits manually. But you¡¯d need some god-level senses to pull that off!

    MysticShot: Holy crap! This dude¡¯s on another level! Gotta step-up my game!

    YeetMage: Can we take a moment to talk about the soundtrack? It¡¯s giving me life right now! ??

    StormChaser: This is the content I signed up for! Haxks, keep it coming!]

    Daisuke turned on his heels toward a group of three who had gathered their courage and were charging at him together. He flicked one sword into the air and summoned a Frost Prism and Lightning Bead to his hand. He tossed it at their feet, and as it exploded in a wave of ice, skewering and electrocuting them, he caught the sword and was already moving, blurring around them.

    In their confusion, Daisuke ducked under one¡¯s pathetic excuse for a sword swing, grabbing the player by the collar and using him as a human shield against the other two.

    Spinning the captive in a dizzying arc, he positioned him perfectly before plunging his sword multiple times through his chest, the force driving the victim into his comrades. As they turned to retaliate, all three were incinerated by the explosion of several Flarial Seeds.

    In the midst of the chaos, a mage began to chant a powerful spell from a distance, light sparking from his wand. Daisuke¡¯s eyes locked onto him maliciously, his body coiled like a spring. In a flash, he sprinted toward the frightened mage, ducking and weaving through the mist to avoid incoming attacks.

    Just as the mage unleashed a fireball, Daisuke vaulted into the air, his body twisting mid-flight as he delivered a vicious downward stab into the man¡¯s shoulder¡ªone, two, a brutal barrage. The magic fizzled out of his wand as the mage screamed, only to be silenced as Daisuke delivered a final, bone-crushing roundhouse kick that sent the bastard disintegrating into a column of light.

    In a quiet corner of the battlefield, a cleric was busy keeping a low profile, his voice barely audible as he murmured incantations to bolster his allies. Without warning, an Orc¡¯s head peeked out from the thick brush, and in a hushed tone, it whispered, ¡°Human¡­ accept dinkidoo.¡±

    Before the cleric could react, he was yanked violently into the dense underbrush, his robes scattering in the air as he screamed¡ªhis voice lost amid the chaos of the battlefield. He was just one of many victims, and by the time Daisuke¡¯s rampage was through, countless others met the same grim fate, enduring a level of trauma that couldn¡¯t even be compared to being eaten alive.

    As the purple haze lifted, Daisuke watched with a stoic expression as the final vestiges of the players were consumed by a golden light.

    [WokeWizard: Bro just obliterated an entire army, all while wearing the worst armor imaginable. All those who died seriously need to rethink their life choices.

    KarenSlayer: And maybe quit the game while they¡¯re at it. Damn, what a bunch of losers.

    PressF4Respect: I¡¯d like to see you do better, asswipe.

    DogeKnight: What if Haxks is secretly level 300 or something? With a level like that, pulling off something this insane wouldn¡¯t be out of the question, right?

    RadiantKnight: Most of a player¡¯s defense is tied to their gear, so even if you¡¯re level 1000 with tons of HP, it wouldn¡¯t matter. Once your gear¡¯s subpar, you¡¯re basically a punching bag, and each hit takes a massive chunk of health. In Haxks¡¯s situation, he was so fast that no one managed to land a single hit.

    DripLord: Holy crap! Guys, the Leaderboard just got updated! HAXKS WAS LEVEL 43 WHEN HE CLEARED THE DUNGEON!!

    DankCrusader: WAIT! WHAT??]

 CHAPTER 136: Shocking Revelation â€“ The Truth Behind the Arcanium Kingdom

    Jace struggled to maintain his bravado as Daisuke loomed closer like the harbinger of death. While he was able to summon antidotes and potions, he wasn¡¯t able to administer the remedies without opposable thumbs. Helpless, like an animal trapped in an enclosure, he lay on the ground, shackled by golden chains, his every movement stifled.

    Daisuke crouched beside him, his presence a silent, oppressive weight. His voice, low and menacing through his mask, cut through the air like a rusty blade. ¡°You¡¯re the last one left,¡± he murmured darkly, finally gracing the man with his words.

    Jace flinched, understanding all too well what that meant. A nervous sweat broke out across his forehead as he turned his head, catching a glint of a camera lens poking through the bushes. His heart sank¡ªhis blunder had already gone viral. Dying now wasn¡¯t just a nightmare of losing EXP at level 82; it would be a crushing blow to his guild¡¯s reputation.

    ¡°Please¡­ don¡¯t kill me,¡± he choked, the words ragged and bitter, as if they were laced with venom. ¡°I¡¯ll do anything.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s eyes locked onto the man, his fury simmering beneath a calm exterior. ¡°Your armor¡­¡± he murmured.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Daisuke drove the short swords into the ground beside the man¡¯s face, the polished fangs gleaming dangerously close to his skin. ¡°Surrender your armor, and I won¡¯t drive these swords into your skull.¡±

    The man paled, panic setting in as he weighed his limited options. Daisuke¡¯s cold gaze only added to the pressure, his patience thinning with each passing second.

    ¡°Fine. Fine!¡± Jace stammered, his voice cracking. ¡°You can have the armor,¡± he said as he mentally issued the command to unequip said items and initiate a transfer. ¡°Just¡ªjust keep your word.¡±

    DING!

    [FrostbiteNinja is requesting to transfer several items to you. Would you like to accept?]

    After accepting the armor, Daisuke summoned his daggers, his once-clam demeanor shifting from frigid to venomous. His golden eyes burned with a murderous intent that made the man¡¯s blood run cold.

    ¡°Bastard! You gave me your word!¡± he sputtered, his voice desperate.

    Daisuke¡¯s expression remained unchanged as he replied with a chilling calm. ¡°I said I wouldn¡¯t drive the swords into your skull.¡± He tilted his head slightly. ¡°These are daggers.¡±

    STAB!

    While the world erupted in excitement over the golden-eyed reaper and the blood-soaked aftermath of the inevitable clash, Daisuke slowly stalked toward Nigel, fresh blood still dripping from his daggers. Abruptly cutting the stream and stowing his drone, Nigel raised his hands in surrender and held his breath, his heart hammering in his chest as he braced himself for a fate similar to FrostbiteNinja¡¯s.

    Suddenly, Daisuke stilled in his tracks.

    Extremely exhausted, his rage began to fade, leaving him utterly drained. His stamina and mana were at their limits, and with the final rush of adrenaline slipping away, his body gave out. His breaths became ragged, and as he staggered, on the verge of collapsing, Nigel reacted in a flash. Without thinking, he lunged forward, catching Daisuke before he hit the ground.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got you,¡± he reassured softly, carefully leaning the reaper against the trunk of a nearby tree. His voice was gentle, though a trace of disbelief lingered in his tone. "I guess this proves you really are human, after all.¡±

    Daisuke frowned quizzically, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.

    ¡°The way you moved earlier¡­ it was on a whole different level,¡± Nigel remarked, a humble smile crossing his face. ¡°Your speed, precision, and dexterity¡ªI¡¯ve never seen anything like it. Not even the high-rankers have a crit rate that compares to yours.¡±

    Daisuke listened intently as the man spoke, picking up on the subtle signs of modesty, shyness, and awkwardness that often came with being an introvert. Unlike the players who had just tried to take him down, there was no trace of malice, greed, or hidden agendas in his gaze. His aura was so gentle and transparent that he didn¡¯t even need the Eye of Verity to sense the sincerity in him.

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    Nigel summoned a mana potion from his inventory and offered it to the helpless stranger. Daisuke made an attempt to take it, but his limbs refused to cooperate, the weight of exhaustion too much to overcome. Nigel noticed this, and without thinking, his eyes automatically drifted to the dark mask concealing the boy¡¯s mouth. Then, belatedly, he noticed Daisuke¡¯s sharp eyes fixed on him.

    ¡°N-No, it wasn¡¯t my intention to¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I know,¡± Daisuke reassured, unequipping the mask and, by extension, revealing his face. His eyes¡­ he thought, holding the man¡¯s gaze. They¡¯re just like mine during that phase when I was constantly making hacks for players and desperately trying to make ends meet. I think I can trust him¡­ for now.

    Nervously pressing his lips into a thin line, Nigel carefully tilted the vial to Daisuke¡¯s lips, gently guiding the blue liquid into his mouth. His hands trembled slightly, aware of the precariousness of the situation, but the boy¡¯s steady gaze kept him rooted in place, reluctant to break the silent trust that had been established.

    He looks so much younger up close. It¡¯s hard to believe those guys ganged up on someone so small, but at the same time, it''s impossible to ignore how he fought earlier. For someone so young, the way he moved¡ªswift, cold, and calculating¡ªwas nothing short of terrifying. It¡¯s like he¡¯s not even a kid at all.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Daisuke murmured wearily. ¡°I really needed that.¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡±

    ¡°By the way, you mind explaining to me why those guys attacked earlier?¡±

    Nigel paled. ¡°You mean to say you slaughtered dozens of people without even knowing why?¡±

    Daisuke raised an eyebrow. ¡°What do you mean, why? They attacked first. I just protected myself.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not¡ª¡± Nigel hung his head, feeling utterly defeated for some reason. ¡°Haven¡¯t you been paying attention to the Leaderboards?¡±

    ¡°¡­Probably not as much as I should,¡± responded Daisuke. ¡°But everyone plays the game for their own reason, right?¡±

    ¡°¡­That¡¯s true,¡± Nigel agreed, his tone thoughtful. ¡°I¡¯m a journalist, so I play the game to bring trending news and exciting content to the masses¡ªthat¡¯s how I make my living.

    But for most people, they¡¯re hunting for power and glory, and then there are the thrill-seekers. One of the best ways to achieve all three of those things is by chasing after Field Bosses and dungeons.

    And I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve noticed, but Field Bosses¡ªand especially Hidden Dungeons¡ªare incredibly hard to find. Yet, here you are, somehow taking them down one after another, and at an insane pace too. As a journalist, I¡¯ve never even caught a glimpse of a Field Boss, and yet you¡¯ve already taken down four in a single day.¡±

    ¡°¡­Point taken,¡± Daisuke murmured.

    ¡°People are starting to speculate that you¡¯ve been using some kind of hack, exploiting a glitch, or maybe you¡¯ve got your hands on a rare skill¡ªwhatever the case, the legend of Haxks Starfrost is trending hard right now, and everyone wants a piece of the action. You¡¯ve become a mystery that no one can resist trying to solve.¡±

    Daisuke frowned. ¡°And yourself?¡±

    Nigel shrugged nonchalantly, his hands raised in surrender. ¡°Hey, the longer the truth stays under wraps, the more material I have to work with for some great stories. But in the end, it¡¯s your call. Do with it what you will.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± said Daisuke as he gingerly pushed to his feet, his gaze softening as he spoke. ¡°I wish more players were as honest and down-to-earth as you. The ones I¡¯ve encountered so far have been nothing short of insufferable.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not too surprising,¡± Nigel remarked with a knowing nod.

    ¡°Really? Why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Well, there are multiple starter villages scattered across the map, each situated in different kingdoms,¡± Nigel began, his voice calm yet informative. ¡°Each kingdom has its own unique environment and set of challenges, but the Arcanium Kingdom is a bit different.

    It¡¯s much smaller and more isolated compared to the others. Most of the land here is still being settled, and a lot of it remains untamed. Because the kingdom is still in its early stages of development, the infrastructure isn¡¯t fully in place¡ªespecially when it comes to law enforcement and the justice system.

    The result is that the place has become a haven for people looking to get away with things they¡¯d never be able to in more established kingdoms. The crime rate¡¯s higher, and the local authorities have little power to do anything about it.

    It¡¯s not just about lawlessness either¡ªit¡¯s more about opportunity. The kingdom¡¯s raw, undeveloped nature makes it an ideal place for shady characters and even whole groups to set up shop. Here, they can take advantage of the lack of oversight, and that¡¯s attracted all sorts of dangerous individuals¡ªbandits, mercenaries with questionable motives, even outlaw guilds who thrive in the chaos.¡±

    He paused for a moment, glancing at Daisuke. ¡°So, it¡¯s not surprising you¡¯ve run into some less-than-pleasant people around here. Where I¡¯m from, the good definitely outweighs the bad.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s expression hardened as the pieces fell into place, the chaotic environment around him suddenly making much more sense. He¡¯d been wondering why things felt off¡ªwhy so many people had been acting with reckless abandon, as if there were no repercussions. Now it was clear.

    As the realization settled, Zephyr, ever the excitable companion, poked his head out from his shirt with a cheerful ¡°arf!¡± The sudden noise startled Nigel, who nearly jumped out of his skin, his eyes widening as his heart skipped a beat.

    ¡°Zephyr!¡± Daisuke beamed, a genuine smile spreading across his face. ¡°You¡¯re finally awake, boy.¡±

    Nigel paled. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ not a normal Companion, is it? Man, you¡¯re just a bundle of mystery through and through, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Daisuke frowned.

    And Nigel quickly threw his hands up in a placating gesture. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going to write about it. I¡¯d much rather stay off your hit list, if I can help it.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate it. Really, thanks for the help¡­ ah¡ª¡±

    ¡°Nigel,¡± he interjected, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. ¡°By the way, Haxks,¡± he continued, his fingers fidgeting nervously, ¡°Would you mind if I sent you a friend request?¡±

 CHAPTER 137: Ripples in the Dark - The Chains of Consequence

    Drake Ashborne sat at his desk, his fingers interlaced beneath his chin, his expression as unyielding as stone. The endless stream of private messages bombarding his notifications went unnoticed as he succumbed to the whirlpool of chaotic thoughts swirling in his mind.

    Haxks Starfrost¡­ just what exactly is he? At level 43, how did he manage to overpower dozens of players single-handedly? Jace never stood a chance. It¡¯s bad enough that our guild is now tied to this debacle, but the manner of Jace¡¯s death¡ªso swift, so merciless¡ªhas only added insult to injury, deepening our shame even further.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± the Vice-Guildmaster reassured with a confident smile. ¡°It¡¯s not as bad as it seems. We can still salvage this.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the damage?¡± Drake asked, his tone calm and collected.

    ¡°Our members are more eager for revenge than feeling any real shame, but as you¡¯d expect, the situation online is less stable.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Drake muttered. ¡°Those vultures are always waiting for an excuse to stir up trouble and spread negativity.¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t received any word from our allies yet,¡± the Vice-Guildmaster remarked, a frown flickering across her delicate face. ¡°It¡¯s hard to tell whether that¡¯s a blessing or a curse, but before they make any moves, we¡¯ve already taken action on our end.

    We¡¯ve got a specialized team working overtime to spread misinformation across social media, SO¡¯s community boards, and other key platforms. The narrative we¡¯re pushing is that Jace wasn¡¯t actually part of the guild¡ªhe just claimed to be in order to get close to Haxks without intervention from the other players. Lucky for us, he didn¡¯t have the guild¡¯s name or emblem visible during the raid, so this story shouldn¡¯t be too difficult to sell.¡±

    ¡°And what about Jace himself?¡±

    The woman tossed her hair over her shoulder with a flick of her wrist, her voice cool and collected as she continued. ¡°He was expelled from the guild shortly after the incident. Beyond the fact that his removal fits neatly into the narrative we¡¯re pushing, his actions were completely unacceptable.

    The way he groveled for his life without even attempting to put up a real fight¡ªit¡¯s a disgrace. Someone like him has no place in our ranks.¡±

    ¡°Well done,¡± Drake praised, which brought a smile to the woman¡¯s lips.

    ¡°As for your younger brother, Osten, he¡¯s been instructed to take down the post with those fabricated claims against Haxks¡ªit could easily be perceived as a direct assault from our guild.¡±

    The man¡¯s expression hardened at the mention of his sibling. ¡°Good,¡± he said, his gaze intensifying. ¡°The fewer people who know what he looks like, the less chance there is of him getting tracked and snatched up by a rival guild.

    It¡¯s unfortunate that we stumbled here, but Haxks has made it quite clear that he won¡¯t be swayed or broken by anyone¡ªnot easily, at least. I¡¯ve already made the arrangements. It¡¯s only a matter of time before the right person steps in to handle things for us.¡±

    ***

    On a moonless night, shadows blanketed the distant mountain, casting the grand manor atop its peak into a spectral silhouette. It loomed over the valley below, a silent predator surveying its domain. The town sprawled beneath, every street and rooftop aglow with warm, golden lights, a sea of brilliance that rivaled the stars scattered across the endless sky above.

    A figure cloaked in darkness lingered on the manor¡¯s balcony, his gaze cast downward, tracing the patterns of life bustling far below. Yet, for all the town¡¯s beauty, it held no allure for him. Until he could claim all the world had to offer, this panorama¡ªits flickering warmth and vibrancy¡ªremained no more than a distant mirage, unworthy of admiration.

    As his gaze swept across the distant horizon, his spirit swelled with the intoxicating allure of domination, visions of a world bent to his will filling his mind. But just as the fantasy began to take hold, a grating voice shattered the silence, slicing through his reverie like an icy wind.

    ¡°Sir,¡± the owner of the voice called nervously, kneeling at the threshold of the balcony. ¡°There¡¯s someone here who wishes to speak with you.¡±

    The man sighed, not bothering to turn around. ¡°And who might that be?¡± He asked curtly, a frightening undercurrent hidden beneath a calm veneer.

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    ¡°It¡¯s Sir Adrian.¡±

    ¡°¡­Very well. Let him in.¡±

    Moments later, Adrian Lysander Percival approached with due humility, quickly bending the knee and lowering his gaze to the floor. But not before he caught a glimpse of the imposing figure standing by the arch leading onto the balcony. The demihuman honey badger, garbed in tight-fitting leather that accentuated his steely muscles, stood like a statue carved from stone beside his master.

    Shrouded in the same darkness, the right hand¡¯s eyes gleamed with an eerie intensity, their unnatural glow cutting through the dimly lit chamber. An almost physical air of malice and danger clung to his stocky frame, making the space feel suddenly smaller. His face, partially visible, was marked with fierce, primal features. With arms folded across his bulging chest, the beast¡¯s index finger tapped against his elbow in a rhythmic, almost compulsive motion, as if caught in the grip of some unseen agitation.

    Adrian swallowed.

    ¡°So?¡± the figure on the balcony urged, his tone somewhere between hostility and indifference. ¡°What news do you bring?¡±

    ¡°¡­Regrettably,¡± Adrian began, his head dipping lower, ¡°I was unable to capture Haxks as intended.¡±

    The man let out a long, drawn-out sigh, his eyes narrowing. ¡°So, you return empty-handed and still have the nerve to ask for an audience. You waste not just my time, but my air as well. Convince me¡ªwhy should I not feed you to the Bullgators and be done with it?"

    ¡°¡­Because I didn¡¯t return empty-handed,¡± Adrian replied calmly. With a snap of his fingers, an armored guard stepped forward, placing a stack of papers on a table with deliberate precision.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°As you¡¯re aware,¡± Adrian began coolly, ¡°Casimir¡¯s recent encounter with Haxks led to the complete destruction of his operation. However, I did manage to salvage Tennyson MacKenzie¡¯s research on the Florians before the building was seized.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± The man flexed his fingers, eyes briefly drifting to his nails, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ¡°And what, exactly, is the worth of this research?¡±

    Adrian flashed a sly smile. ¡°Perhaps it holds no value for you personally, but you could leverage it against one of the syndicates and have them indebted to you.¡±

    ¡°Interesting,¡± the man chuckled, his laughter echoing through the chamber. ¡°So, you¡¯ve taken it upon yourself to become my personal consultant? How bold of you.¡±

    For the first time since the conversation had begun, the menacing right hand shifted his gaze downward. His eyes were unreadable, as though silently awaiting the command to crush their guest¡¯s bones into dust. The tension in the air was thick, but Adrian didn¡¯t wait for the grim order to be given.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t even dare to dream of it,¡± he said softly, lowering his gaze. ¡°I beg your forgiveness for my impertinence.¡±

    The demihuman grunted, seemingly with disappointment.

    ¡°More importantly,¡± the man continued, his voice steady. ¡°It¡¯s crucial that we capture this child. My ambitions cannot take shape without the power he possesses.¡±

    ¡°According to our informant,¡± Adrian said, his tone measured, ¡°the familiar he used to track Haxks was discovered and destroyed by none other than its target.¡±

    The man shot him a sidelong glance, his expression one of disbelief. ¡°Impossible,¡± he muttered. ¡°The Nyssylis are an ancient breed, unparalleled in camouflage¡ªso adept, in fact, that some claim they vanish into another realm entirely when they use their stealth abilities.¡±

    ¡°Haxks should not be underestimated,¡± Adrian cautioned, his voice low. ¡°After all, he¡¯s the one Cedric chose to inherit his legacy. If we truly intend to take him by force, we¡¯ll need more than just a few men¡ªwe¡¯ll need a small army.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± the man replied, his fingers stroking his chin in thought. ¡°Excessive violence would only fuel his power further. If we want him to submit entirely to our cause, we must first shatter his spirit¡ªcompletely.¡±

    Adrian tilted his head slightly, a wicked smile curling at his lips. ¡°And what do you propose?¡±

    The man¡¯s hand clenched into a tight fist, his expression hardening. ¡°We start by securing his home and his loved ones. We hold the village of Dusthaven hostage¡ªonly then will Haxks truly understand the stakes and submit. But before we can take Dusthaven, we first need to capture Lunarel.¡±

    ¡°As you command,¡± Adrian responded, his tone smooth and respectful.

    But the response that followed was nothing like what he expected. ¡°You can go ahead and kill him now,¡± the man said flatly, dismissing him with a casual flick of his wrist.

    Adrian¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, a cold sweat trickling down his spine as panic surged within him. Before he could even raise his gaze to seek understanding¡ªor make a desperate attempt to flee¡ªa boisterous laugh, tinged with madness, echoed through the chamber. In the blink of an eye, a blur of motion darted past him, moving with such unnerving speed that it felt as if the very air had been torn apart.

    BOOOOOOOM!

    With a psychotic grin twisting his face, the demihuman seized the attendant by the head and barreled across the room like a charging Minotaur, smashing him into the sandstone wall. The sickening impact splattered blood and gore in a gruesome pattern across the stone.

    Before the lifeless body could even slump to the floor, the beast¡¯s fists curled tight, and he began pounding it in a mindless frenzy, his face and knuckles soon smeared in crimson.

    A flicker of frustration crossed the beast¡¯s face, unsatisfied by how quickly the carnage had ended. Yet the thrill of euphoria washed over him like a powerful orgasm, utterly outweighing it. A crazed laugh began to bubble up from his throat as he leaned back, eyes glazed and flickering wildly as he stared up at the ceiling. His powerful arms hung heavily at his sides, fingers twitching, as if still hungry for more destruction.

    A bead of sweat slipped from Adrian¡¯s chin as he swallowed, his eyes quivering in silent dread.

    ¡°Fail me again,¡± the leader warned, his gaze returning to the horizon, ¡°and you¡¯ll be the one lying in that pool of blood instead of that miserable wretch with the nauseating voice. For now, focus on pinpointing Haxks¡¯s location.¡±

 CHAPTER 138: Human Transmutation â€“ The Esoteric Facet of Alchemy

    [Name: Haxks

    Species: Human

    Level: 43 | EXP: 124,877/288,906 (43.22%)

    Daisuke moved toward the apothecary, his thoughts drifting back to the recent battle. I raked in a lot of EXP fighting those guys earlier, he mused, a trace of fatigue still tingling in his bones. Seems like humanoid monsters and players are more likely to drop gold¡ªand they yield more EXP, too. The thought reminded him of the Mhaledictus, where he¡¯d first noticed the pattern.

    ¡°Ohya? Welcome back,¡± the elderly woman greeted from behind the counter, her gentle voice warm and familiar. ¡°It¡¯s a relief to see you in good health. Now, how may I assist you today?¡±

    ¡°Miss Verna,¡± Daisuke began, his voice low and serious as he summoned a vial onto the counter. ¡°If it¡¯s not too much trouble¡­ there¡¯s something I¡¯d like you to examine.¡±

    [Homunculus Serum (Residue)]

    [Category: Alchemy Material

    Quantity: 1

    Rarity: Unique

    A curious fluid that seeped from the homunculus¡¯s corpse after its demise as a result of its highly immiscible properties. Now exhibiting a slightly coagulated consistency, this serum possesses mysterious qualities that make it a valuable component for skilled alchemists. However, its unsettling origins provoke ethical questions and caution in its use.]

    The woman¡¯s once gentle expression turned sharp, her eyes narrowing as they flicked over the vial¡¯s contents. ¡°This is¡­¡± she murmured, her voice laced with caution.

    She cast a wary glance around, then met Daisuke¡¯s gaze, gesturing for him to follow. They moved to the back of the store, slipping into a dimly lit workspace where she drew the curtains tight. Stepping around the table where Daisuke had set down the mysterious fluid, she fixed him with a look of intense curiosity and urgency. ¡°Explain everything,¡± she demanded quietly.

    ***

    In the secluded nook of the apothecary store, Daisuke watched as the elder, a bent woman with silver hair twisted into a loose bun, turned the vial of coagulated fluid between her weathered fingers. Her sharp eyes, gleaming with years of medicinal wisdom, studied the residue with a mix of fascination and unease, her lips moving in inaudible murmurs.

    ¡°Curious, isn¡¯t it?¡± Verna muttered, more to herself than to Daisuke, her voice like the soft rustle of leaves.

    On the cluttered workbench, she gently poured the fluid onto a parchment inscribed with a detailed magic circle. With a steady hand, she channeled her mana into the circle, and instantly, the symmetrical lines and arches began to glow with a deep purple light.

    The intricate formula pulsed, slowly analyzing the substance at its center. Gradually, symbols appeared around the circle¡¯s edge, shifting and rearranging until they coalesced into clear, readable words, each one revealing more about the mysterious fluid.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Daisuke asked in a hushed tone, as if the sound of his voice might somehow jeopardize the intricate process.

    Verna¡¯s eyes narrowed, the glow of the magic circle casting sharp shadows across her face. ¡°This circle is designed to analyze whatever is placed inside of it,¡± she explained, her voice steady, ¡°and produce a complete breakdown of all its possible ingredients.¡±

    After memorizing the list, Verna carefully poured the extract back into the vial, ensuring she didn¡¯t make direct contact with it. She then gestured for Daisuke to step closer, her gaze intense. ¡°Are you sure this¡­ residue is all that leaked from the creature after it perished?¡±

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    Daisuke nodded, though a faint unease crept into his stance as he recalled the twisted transformation he had witnessed.

    Verna sighed, drawing back a stained sleeve as she dipped a long metal rod into the vial, stirring the fluid gently. ¡°Look here,¡± she instructed, nodding towards the slow, almost reluctant way it clung to the rod before finally separating in viscous strands. ¡°Highly immiscible, just as you described. This serum doesn¡¯t merely cling to its form, it resists blending. It¡¯s almost as if it¡¯s¡­ alive. Or, well, a remnant of life.¡±

    Daisuke frowned. ¡°Could it be that the serum itself has properties tied to transformation? How do you think it was made?¡±

    The woman¡¯s brows knitted together as she thought, her gaze becoming distant. ¡°Transformation, yes. But to forge something that defies nature so stubbornly¡­ that requires dark practices. If a mere pill turned a man into such a creature, then this serum would be a byproduct of that violent alchemical reaction. Alchemy often seeks to defy the natural order, but this¡­ this points to an ambition untethered by reason.¡±

    The old woman rummaged through a pile of dusty tomes stacked near the edge of the table, pulling out one bound in worn leather. She flipped through pages filled with various species of flora, ancient runes, alchemical symbols, and sketched diagrams until she landed on a chart labeled Animus Extracts.

    ¡°Look here,¡± she said, tapping on an entry. ¡°This fluid resembles compounds used in ancient transmutations¡ªspecifically those that ¡®unbind¡¯ the core essence of a living thing and reshape it.¡±

    ¡°Unbinding?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, her tone grave. ¡°In this instance, the unbinding agent unravels the core of a person and reweaves it into something new¡ªa homunculus, in this case. You see the serum¡¯s coagulated consistency? That tells me it contains not only alchemical ingredients but vestiges of a person¡¯s soul. It¡¯s¡­ disturbing, to put it mildly.¡±

    Daisuke cupped his chin, his mind racing. ¡°So, in essence, this residue is the product of alchemy, meaning that small pill somehow altered a person¡¯s soul, turning them into a monster.

    But that¡¯s not really new information; I saw a man being force-fed the pill and watched him transform. What I¡¯m wondering is, how exactly does it work? How do you craft a single pill capable of altering someone¡¯s soul? What¡¯s the process?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t have much more to offer,¡± Verna said with an apologetic tone. ¡°What I do know is that our ancestors once used a similar technique to alter plants and monsters, synthesizing the necessary materials to create potions and remedies. But this pill¡ªit¡¯s much more rooted in alchemy than in medicine.¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s brow furrowed, a touch of disappointment creeping into his gaze. Only Cedric and a handful of others possessed true knowledge of alchemy, so it was already a surprise that Verna knew what it even meant.

    ¡°In that case, what did you manage to figure out from the magic circle?¡±

    Verna nodded thoughtfully. ¡°From the traces of medicinal ingredients I identified earlier, it seems the pill was crafted with a specific and deliberate combination of elements.

    Initially, there¡¯s something meant to undermine the body¡¯s natural defenses and dull the pain as both the body and soul undergo the transformation. Following that, the pill contains components designed to enhance blood and mana circulation, boost regeneration, increase metabolism, and amplify strength and endurance, among other effects.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Daisuke nodded, a hint of gratitude in his tone. ¡°Thanks for humoring my selfish request.¡±

    Verna shook her head, her smile warm but laced with concern. ¡°It was no trouble at all. But, Haxks¡­ I don¡¯t know who created such a horrid thing, nor can I guess what you intend to do with it. Still, I must warn you: be careful. These dark arts were never meant for mortals to tamper with. Such practices are bound to incur the gods¡¯ wrath.¡±

    ***

    Before leaving the apothecary, Daisuke bought several recovery items to replenish his dwindling supplies. It feels like ever since I hit the thirties, the mobs just don¡¯t drop potions and berries as much as they used to. Looks like the algorithm¡¯s becoming a bit more savage now.

    ¡°Hey there, lad,¡± greeted a familiar blacksmith, his skin glistening with sweat and covered in soot. ¡°Did you manage to get those high-quality materials forged into weapons over at the capital?¡±

    ¡°Not yet, unfortunately,¡± Daisuke replied with a hint of disappointment. ¡°I¡¯m actually in the middle of getting ready for the trip, but before I head out, I wanted to ask¡ªdo you offer any tinting services?¡±

    The blacksmith scratched his head, a look of regret crossing his face. ¡°Alas, blacksmithing¡¯s all I¡¯ve ever known. Sadly, tinting isn¡¯t something I can help with.¡±

    ¡°Did you say you¡¯re looking for tinting services?¡± a low-leveled player asked as he stepped into the shop.

    Daisuke¡¯s muscles tensed, fingers instinctively curling, though he didn¡¯t draw his daggers¡ªyet. ¡°Yeah. I want to change the color of my armor.¡±

    ¡°Have you checked the dyesmith?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t. Where¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a few blocks down on the right side,¡± he replied, gesturing down the street. ¡°You can¡¯t miss it¡ªthere¡¯s a big sign with a paintbrush and a red pot on it.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Daisuke said, smiling appreciatively. ¡°Thanks, man.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± the teen replied with an easy grin. ¡°Catch ya later.¡±

    Daisuke waved as he stepped out of the shop. I guess Nigel was right, he mused, feeling a slight sense of relief. There really are good players out there, after all.

 CHAPTER 139: Drama & Errands â€“ A Change of Pace

    The dyesmith shop was a snug, dimly lit sanctuary tucked away in a quiet alley off main street. The air hung thick with the distinct aroma of fresh paint¡ªearthy, rich, and a little sharp, mingling with the faint mustiness of aging wood. Jars of vibrant pigments lined the shelves, their colors ranging from deep blues to fiery crimsons, casting a spectrum of hues across the dimly lit room.

    ¡°You¡¯re a fresh face around here,¡± the shopkeeper greeted without looking up, her sharp gaze focused intently on the elegant breastplate she was refining.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve been getting that a lot lately,¡± Daisuke muttered, his gaze sweeping over the organized chaos of fabrics, leather, and half-finished armor pieces strewn across the workbenches. Each station seemed to hold a project in some stage of transformation.

    ¡°Where do you hail from?¡± she asked inquisitively, the fluid, rhythmic sound of her practiced brushstrokes filling the room.

    Daisuke, however, didn¡¯t let the soothing sounds lower his guard. ¡°I¡¯m from a small village out past the town limits,¡± he replied cautiously.

    The woman smiled, clearly familiar with her fair share of secretive customers. ¡°Ah, a mysterious one, are we? No matter¡ªI¡¯m sure you have your reasons. Now then, what would you like me to work on for you?¡±

    Daisuke laid out several leather armor pieces, along with a cloak, on an empty table. ¡°I¡¯d like these dyed black and silver. Do you think you can manage it?¡±

    The woman glanced down at the equipment, taking in its vibrant blend of blue, gray, and white. ¡°Such a shame,¡± she murmured, almost wistfully, as if lamenting the lost potential. ¡°It¡¯s already got such a beautiful mix of colors. But I suppose, as a rogue or assassin, you¡¯d stick out like a sore thumb, even in the dark.¡±

    ¡°Impressive insight,¡± Daisuke said, offering a faint smile. ¡°But honestly, I just have a strong aversion to bright colors.¡±

    ¡°I understand you have your reasons,¡± the woman said with a thoughtful nod. ¡°I¡¯ve got a bit of a backlog, but I can have these ready for you by tomorrow morning, if that works for you.¡±

    ¡°That works perfectly,¡± Daisuke replied.

    ¡°Great, then I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±

    Daisuke gave a casual wave as he turned to leave. ¡°Thanks again.¡±

    ***

    Thalia raised a copy of the Monster Guide Handbook in front of her face with a panicked yelp, clutching it like a shield as though the thick pages might somehow fend off the sinister forces closing in on her.

    ¡°Thalia, my love,¡± crooned a handsome adventurer from across the counter, his dazzling presence blinding the onlookers. ¡°Our love was ordained by the gods themselves! Resisting the red string of fate that binds us¡ªit¡¯s utterly pointless.¡± With a flourish, he tossed his luscious hair and blew a dramatic kiss in the clerk¡¯s direction. ¡°Mwah!¡±

    ¡°Kyaa~!¡± Thalia cried out once more as the heart, summoned by the man¡¯s fiery love, drifted toward her like a glowing ember.

    The instant it collided with the thick cover of the handbook, missing its chance to nestle against her cheeks¡ªor, even better, her soft, plum lips¡ªit grew visibly enraged.

    Suddenly, the heart took on a fierce expression, sprouting the muscular arms and chiseled abs of a bodybuilder. With a battle cry, it launched a flurry of punches against the book, each strike fueled by the fierce desire to break through and reach its ¡°delicious objective.¡±

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    All of a sudden, Thalia stopped screaming; her feminine intuition didn¡¯t miss the moment that Daisuke stepped into the guild lobby. Her face lit up as soon as she spotted him. With a casual flick of her wrist, she backhanded the love-struck suitor like he was no more than an annoying fly, extinguishing his radiant aura as though someone had blown out a candle.

    While he spun helplessly before collapsing to the floor, Thalia waved enthusiastically at her favorite adventurer, her eyes sparkling. ¡°Haxks! You¡¯re back!¡± she called, beckoning him over with a bright smile.

    Ignoring the death-stares from the male population, Daisuke nonchalantly made his way up to the counter. He spared a brief, indifferent glance at the would-be suitor now sprawled on the floor, looking more like a squashed insect than the elegant figure he¡¯d once been¡ªseveral teeth notably absent from his once-pristine smile.

    ¡°I see there¡¯s still never a dull moment around here,¡± Daisuke murmured coolly by means of greeting, hands tucked inside his pockets.

    ¡°Story of my life,¡± Thalia smiled sheepishly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. ¡°More importantly, I¡¯m just glad to see you back in one piece.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. I didn¡¯t expect to be gone for this long.¡±

    At his words, Thalia absentmindedly twirled a lock of hair around her finger, her gaze dropping shyly. ¡°Then¡­¡± she whispered, glancing up at him from beneath her lashes, ¡°does that mean¡­ you remember your promise?¡±

    Daisuke nodded, and the clerk¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation. ¡°I can get off work in about an hour,¡± she said, her voice soft yet eager. ¡°Would that work for you?¡±

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Daisuke replied with a faint smile. ¡°In the meantime, I¡¯ll swing by Cleave¡¯s shop.¡±

    ***

    Time seemed to stretch as Cleave frolicked toward Daisuke, every step exaggerated like a soap opera scene or a moment straight out of a Disney movie. His cheeks were flushed bright with excitement, his eyes sparkling like gems. Daisuke, his most prized client, never failed to bring him rare and exhilarating finds¡ªmonsters that stirred and ignited both the inner child and the seasoned connoisseur within him.

    At the very last second, Daisuke sidestepped, watching as the ogre sailed past him like a misfired cannonball, crashing face-first into the stone floor. When his body finally came to a stop, he lifted his head, a deep frown creasing his now-reddened face from the impact. ¡°You really aren¡¯t any fun, are you?¡± He muttered, his tone a mix of reproach and disappointment.

    Daisuke¡¯s expression settled into a poker face. ¡°I don¡¯t see how getting tackled at a hundred miles an hour is supposed to be fun for me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it,¡± Cleave replied with a mischievous grin, even as he peeled himself off the floor. ¡°Sometimes, you¡¯ve just gotta embrace the chaos, let go, and move with the current. Think with her heart and soul, not your head. I call it ¡®the twilight of man.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Right¡­,¡± Daisuke drawled, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Pretty sure if I¡¯d thought with anything other than my head just now, I¡¯d never be able to think again¡ªever.¡± Guess that¡¯s one of the reasons why the mortality rate for men is higher than for women. Jeez.

    ¡°So?¡± Cleave continued, dusting off his bloodstained apron and slipping on a fresh pair of gloves. ¡°What¡¯s on the table for me today?¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s deadpan expression quickly shifted into a sly grin. Tilting his head, he peeked out from one eye, sizing up Cleave¡¯s reaction as he rested his hands on his hips. ¡°I¡¯ve got quite the treat for you today.¡±

    Cleave planted his gorilla-like hands on his hips, tilting his head back as a deep, hearty laugh rumbled from his chest. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­ did you actually manage to snag yourself some more Venomscale monstron? And here I thought the twilight had gone dark in your soul!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got something even better,¡± Daisuke promised as he opened his inventory window.

    ¡°Something better than Venomscale monstron, Etherberry wine, and a trip to the brothel with the boys? That¡¯s a tough act to follow, but my soul¡¯s on fire! Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got!¡±

    Suddenly, the faint echo of a heavenly hymn and the gentle tolling of bells filled the air¡ªa sound so divine it overwhelmed Cleave, bringing him to his knees in awe. With tears in his eyes, he gazed up at a magnificent mountain of monsters materializing before him.

    It was a sight to behold: five towering Field Bosses, two high-level giant-classes, and an assortment of other formidable species, each more terrifying than the last. Snot drooped from his nose as he fumbled for the names of the Field Bosses, his voice trembling with a mix of excitement and disbelief.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been such a fool,¡± Cleave cried, clasping his hands in prayer as a holy light seemingly shone down on the lofty mountain before him. ¡°I¡¯ve been blind to your noble sacrifice all this time, Haxks! You¡¯ve forsaken the sweet and glorious warmth of a woman¡¯s thighs to offer us these treasures. Truly, you are a man unlike any other!¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°Wait, what? You know on second thought, never mind. Forget I even asked. I don¡¯t want to know.¡± He shook his head, already stepping back. ¡°I¡¯ll be back tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°¡­Fossorial Ekimmu,¡± Cleave lamented, his eyes practically glowing with reverence. ¡°The aphrodisiac in its monstron is so potent, the boys and I might have to book out the whole brothel just to keep up. Truly, a treasure among treasures.¡±

 CHAPTER 140: Revelry Beneath the Canopies

    ¡°Gods be praised! I haven¡¯t seen you in so long!¡± Gretchen lamented with a blush, her trusty ladle strapped to her apron. ¡°I feared you were struck down by a monster in a dungeon. I¡¯m so relieved you¡¯re¡ª¡±

    ¡°Haxks!¡± a young girl wearing a similar apron called out excitedly, skidding to a stop in front of the giant innkeeper. She puffed out her chest with bold enthusiasm and beamed. ¡°It¡¯s such a pleasure to finally meet you!¡± she said eagerly. ¡°I¡¯m Eena, Cleave¡¯s daughter¡ªthe butcher over at the Adventurers¡¯ Guild. Papa¡¯s told me all about your incredible feats and says you¡¯d make an amazing husband.¡±

    In no time flat, the male population turned their collective death stares on Daisuke.

    ¡°H-Husband?!¡± Gretchen gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief, a flash of jealousy flickering behind them. Without warning, she slammed a hefty hand onto Eena¡¯s back, pushing her aside. ¡°What in the gods¡¯ name are you talking about? Go on, get back to work! I don¡¯t pay you to stand around making wild claims¡ªthere¡¯s a stew waiting to burn in the kitchen!¡±

    The female patrons, with knowing smirks and twinkling eyes, watched the unfolding spectacle with a mix of amusement and approval. Their attention was as much on the drama as it was on the food and drink before them.

    The men, on the other hand, exchanged quick glances, their eyes flickering from the squabbling women to Daisuke. The envy in their glares were almost a physical entity in the room, their resentful whispers just barely audible over the clink of tankards.

    Unfortunately, not one soul bothered to glance at Gretchen¡ªher presence barely a blip on their radar. Every gaze was fixed instead on the young girl who had only recently joined the establishment, her presence captivating the room and pulling the attention of every onlooker like a magnet.

    ¡°Haxks,¡± Gretchen called in a voice surprisingly sweet for someone of her orcish stature. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve had quite the day. Let me get some warm water ready for you to bathe, and I¡¯ll have a hearty meal waiting when you¡¯re finished.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re reaching¡­ well beyond your means, you old hag,¡± Eena huffed, her voice dripping with defiance as she resisted the woman¡¯s almighty push with all her strength. ¡°I just turned fifteen¡ªHaxks deserves someone young and fertile to bear his children, not a shriveled relic like you! How old are you, anyway? A hundred?¡±

    Gretchen snarled, the verbal attack stinging like a vicious Honeywasp. ¡°And how do you expect to nurse Haxks¡¯s children with that washboard of a chest?¡± she retorted, slamming one of her ample breasts against the wall to squash a spider. ¡°He needs something with more substance and utility.¡±

    ¡°Eww! Gross!¡± Eena recoiled, her face turning pale. ¡°Sure, yours might be bigger, but do they even work? You¡¯ll probably need a herd of Minitaur just to feed your kids!¡±

    Both women snarled at one another, deadly static clashing between them.

    Daisuke watched the chaos unfold with a poker face. All I wanted was a bath and a hot meal¡­

    ¡°Rawrwu~¡±

    ***

    Daisuke found himself reluctantly returning to Harrington Threads. Unsurprisingly, the storekeeper failed to recognize his face, offering only the most minimal hospitality based on his customer¡¯s unassuming appearance.

    But, as before, the moment a rather morbidly obese Wallet-kun made its appearance, the man¡¯s attitude shifted with remarkable speed. Suddenly, every courtesy was extended, his eyes gleaming with the kind of fervor only gold could ignite.

    After purchasing a semi-formal outfit, Daisuke arrived in front of the guild to meet Thalia at the agreed time¡ªand almost didn¡¯t recognize her.

    ¡°You¡¯re here,¡± she murmured barely above a whisper while fidgeting nervously with her fingers. Under Daisuke¡¯s steady gaze, her cheeks flushed, and she felt extremely self-conscious.

    ¡°I hardly recognized you without your usual work attire,¡± he said with a rare smile. ¡°You look stunning.¡±

    For the first time since they¡¯d met, Daisuke took a good, long look at Thalia Misthaven. Her light blonde hair fell in a soft, sleek wave just above her shoulders, framing her face with a natural elegance. Caramel-brown eyes sparkled warmly, giving her an inviting, cheerful expression.

    She wore a cozy winter outfit: a high-necked, white knit sweater dress that combined style with warmth. Over this, an open mustard-yellow coat added a touch of color and sophistication. Thigh-high white socks tucked into tall boots completed the ensemble, and a satchel slung over her shoulder added a hint of adventure to her look.

    Thalia¡¯s cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, unable to meet Daisuke¡¯s gaze after his unexpected compliment.

    ¡°Th-Thank you,¡± she murmured. Normally, she¡¯d look him over and find the nerve to compliment him back, but she wasn¡¯t quite brave enough to meet his gaze¡ªnot yet. ¡°I-I¡¯ve actually thought about this for a while¡­ you don¡¯t act your age at all, you know?¡±

    Daisuke¡¯s smile deepened a tad, his disposition cool and collected, butterscotch eyes smoldering. ¡°I didn¡¯t exactly have a choice,¡± he replied, a hint of steel in his tone. ¡°This world isn¡¯t exactly kind to children.¡±

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    Thalia pursed her lips coyly and pulled down at the hem of her dress, her stance adorable. ¡°You don¡¯t play fair, do you?¡±

    Daisuke chuckled, his voice velvety soft and smooth, and unexpectedly warm¡ªa striking contrast to the cold monotone she remembered from when they¡¯d first met months ago. ¡°Shall we?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± she murmured with a slight pout, though her face brightened as Zephyr poked his head out from Daisuke¡¯s shirt, a small blue bowtie neatly tied around his neck, perfectly matching his eyes. ¡°Aww! He¡¯s absolutely adorable!¡±

    The pup stuck his tongue out in contentment as the girl¡¯s gentle hand caressed his head. He sensed the importance of the day for her, and with that quiet understanding, he settled into perfect obedience, eager to be on his best behavior.

    ***

    The dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting intricate patterns on the forest floor. Maple and birch trees, their bare branches braving the biting cold of winter, stood alongside the resilient pines, creating a vivid tapestry of colors that blended seamlessly into the tranquil woods.

    Thalia strolled beside Daisuke¡ªa quiet and nerve-racking stroll on her part¡ªher heart racing with every breath of the crisp air. The cold nipped at her rosy cheeks, prompting her to tug her scarf tighter, but her gaze couldn¡¯t help but wander to the man beside her. Even in silence, his drop-dead gorgeous looks were as captivating as ever, his presence effortlessly drawing her in, even when his eyes weren¡¯t on her.

    He was wearing a navy-blue coat with silver embroidery along the chest and shoulders, paired with silver-metal pauldrons for light protection. Underneath, he had on a simple white shirt, open at the collar, showing a pendant around his neck. A brown leather belt held small pouches at his waist, and his grey-brown pants were tucked into knee-high leather boots. The coat¡¯s tail flowed behind him as he moved, giving him a sleek, practical look.

    All of a sudden, Thalia felt a shiver run down her spine, settling into places she wouldn¡¯t even dare to mention. Without warning, Daisuke had taken ahold of her hand, his butterscotch eyes narrowed as he glanced around.

    ¡°I-Is something wrong?¡± she squeaked, her voice tinged with concern as she tried to follow his troubled gaze.

    ¡°Just a few nuisances,¡± Daisuke murmured back nonchalantly, his right hand moving in a blur sporadically as he sent dark projectiles flying in several directions.

    Since leaving Wonderelle, he had noticed a few players quietly tailing them from a distance, no doubt hoping to be led to rare monsters or Hidden Dungeons. Some had sent familiars to follow them, while others had deployed invisible tracking spells along the path. However, the Eye of Verity had the vultures¡¯ tactics sticking out like phosphorescent paint on a dark canvas.

    With each swift flick of his hand, Daisuke sent a kunai or shuriken flying, expertly eliminating the familiars one by one until none remained. Once the immediate danger was dealt with, he gently tightened his grip on Thalia¡¯s hand, leading her through the treacherous minefield of magic circles with the grace of a dancer.

    Completely unaware of the peril surrounding them, the captivated guild clerk let herself be led by his steady hand. Her heart hammered in her ears as she took in the handsome angle of his jaw, the smooth curve of his lips, and the mesmerizing flick of his silver hair. When his piercing eyes finally met hers, her bones did a quick melt.

    ¡°Hold on tight.¡±

    Thalia¡¯s breath caught in her throat, nearly making her faint, as Daisuke swept her off her feet and pressed her against the hard wall of his chest. In an instant, the forest around them blurred, the world distorting as he became one with the wind. The frustrated players who had been closing in on their position were left far behind, their efforts futile against his overwhelming speed.

    Thalia buried her face in his chest, her scream barely audible against the rush of wind as she held on for dear life. Meanwhile, Zephyr was perched atop Daisuke¡¯s head, his tongue flapping wildly in the breeze as they zipped down the dimly lit path. But as they surged forward, it quickly became clear: they hadn¡¯t escaped danger¡ªthey had merely traded one threat for another.

    Time slowed to a crawl, each heartbeat dragging as Daisuke shifted into a forward flip, his eyes narrowing just as an arrow shot out from the undergrowth. It wasn¡¯t until the projectile embedded itself into Thalia¡¯s satchel, sending it careening into a nearby tree trunk, that Daisuke realized the arrow wasn¡¯t aimed at either of them.

    They were caught off guard as a slender figure swooped in, snatching the bag from its perch.

    ¡°Wh-Who are you?¡± Thalia asked nervously.

    Before Daisuke could react, a group of scrappy men emerged from the trees, grinning widely. Their leader, a man with a flamboyant feathered hat and a crooked smile, stepped forward, flourishing his hands as if about to put on a grand show.

    The man cleared his throat and snapped his fingers to cue the others who launched into a lively, syncopated beat. ¡°Lads, it¡¯s time we showed these fine folks our noble cause!¡±

    With an exaggerated bow, the man began to sing, his voice bouncing with an almost comically overdone bravado. Then the others joined in:

    Oh, we take from the wealthy and give to the poor,

    ¡®Cause the orphans and demi-folk deserve something more!

    We swoop from the trees, we dance in the night,

    Making lives fair with all of our might!

    One of the bandits, juggling a handful of stolen trinkets, chimed in with a mischievous grin.

    A bracelet, a coin, a gemstone or three¡ª

    We give ¡®em away, just as good men should be!

    They executed a haphazard twirl with the leader striding forward as if he¡¯d just completed an impressive feat. He flashed Thalia a grin, mischievous yet endearing, and began singing again.

    Fear not, dear lass, for your bag will serve well,

    As we fund a good cause with a grand tale to tell!

    Daisuke looked unimpressed, fingers ready to brandish his daggers as he watched the troupe¡¯s antics with disbelief.

    ¡°You see, fair maiden,¡± said the bandit leader with a wink, ¡°we¡¯ve got a reputation to uphold¡ªa noble purpose, if you will! Who could deny the orphans and our fellow demi-humans their fair share of comfort, aye?¡±

    Thalia glared. ¡°Maybe start with your own pockets, then,¡± she muttered under her breath, shooting a wary look at Daisuke.

    The leader laughed, apparently taking no offense as he leaned in, dropping his voice to a conspiratorial tone.

    For it¡¯s us noble heroes, so gallant and free,

    Doing justice, good deeds, and helping those in need!

    As he spun around for a dramatic finish, an orcish-looking man who could easily pass for Gretchen¡¯s older brother seized him by the collar, yanked him off the ground, and twisted him around like a helpless toddler. The man¡¯s fierce countenance was unmistakably that of a true hardened bandit¡ªa scoundrel whose vile deeds had undoubtedly drawn the disapproval of the goddess Seraphina at some point.

    Without a word, the fiend delivered a crushing punch to the gut of the Robin Hood wannabe that had the man curling up like a folding screen before slumping unconscious.

 CHAPTER 141: From Play to Peril

    As Robin Hood spun around for a dramatic finish, an orcish-looking man who could easily pass for Gretchen¡¯s older brother seized him by the collar, yanked him off the ground, and twisted him around like a helpless toddler. The man¡¯s fierce countenance was unmistakably that of a true hardened bandit¡ªa scoundrel whose vile deeds had undoubtedly drawn the disapproval of the goddess Seraphina at some point.

    Without a word, the fiend delivered a crushing punch to the gut of the Robin Hood wannabe that had the man curling up like a folding screen before slumping unconscious.

    The burly giant hurled the man to one of his lackeys as if he were nothing more than a ragdoll, then turned his cold, calculating gaze on Daisuke, Thalia, and the others who were now backed into a corner, surrounded by his men.

    ¡°We¡¯ll sell that fool to the circus,¡± he muttered flatly, his voice devoid of emotion. ¡°As for these two¡­¡± His eyes lingered over Thalia with an unsettling hunger. ¡°I¡¯ll have the boy sent to a slave trader, and the woman¡­¡± He smiled cruelly. ¡°She¡¯ll fetch a nice price at a brothel.¡±

    Petrified, the guild clerk instinctively gripped her head, her body trembling uncontrollably as she sank to her knees. Her eyes were wide, and her teeth chattered in fear. But it wasn¡¯t the bandit¡¯s gaze¡ªsoft yet sinister¡ªthat caused her to crumble, nor was it the chilling threat of enslavement. No, the true source of her terror ran far deeper, connected to a haunting past she could never escape.

    ¡°Zephyr,¡± Daisuke called, his voice low and commanding. In a flash, the pup sprang from his clothes, landing with a snarl in front of the trembling Thalia. His hackles stood on end and his eyes glowed with a fierce protectiveness, daring anyone to get any closer.

    In the same beat, Daisuke shifted into a battle stance, his daggers materializing in a smooth, reverse grip. The bandits visibly recoiled, their faces paling in instinctive fear.

    ¡°Boss,¡± one of the bandits shouted, panic creeping into his voice. ¡°This brat¡ªhe¡¯s one of the Fallen!¡±

    ¡°A Fallen?¡± another murmured, his complexion turning pale.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it supposed to be impossible to kill them?¡±

    ¡°Those pesky bastards,¡± one hissed under his breath.

    The leader grunted, his grip tightening on the axe resting across his broad shoulders. ¡°Being a Fallen means he¡¯s immortal, not invincible. If we finish him off now, we¡¯ll have plenty of time to slip away before he can call for backup.¡±

    Emboldened by their leader¡¯s unwavering confidence, the lackeys edged closer to their prey, their twisted grins stretching wider as they brandished their weapons, ready to strike.

    ¡°It¡¯s a pity we won¡¯t be able to profit from him,¡± the leader continued with an evil grin, eyes glinting with dark amusement. ¡°But there¡¯s no shortage of fools in Wonderelle. Sooner or later, they¡¯ll wander out from behind their precious walls¡ªjust like these insects.¡±

    The man¡¯s final words rumbled from his throat in a low growl as his axe came crashing down like a sledgehammer. The deafening clang of metal on keratin echoed through the air as the sharp blades of the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang and Salamander¡¯s Claw crossed to meet it.

    BOOOOM!

    Cracks splintered across the earth and Daisuke¡¯s feet sank deep into the ground at the sheer force of the impact. Time seemed to stretch, each second dragging into eternity.

    Thalia¡¯s panicked scream cut through the stillness. Rocks and debris floated momentarily in the air, caught in the shockwave as the two warriors locked eyes, their fierce glares meeting like a storm brewing. Then, with chilling satisfaction, the leader¡¯s lips curled into a sly grin.

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    SYUK-SYUK- SYUK!

    The surrounding brush stirred briefly before a volley of arrows shot forth from hidden archers. Their aim was true, each bolt cutting through the air with lethal intent, seeking to silence the accursed Fallen and pave the way for a quick escape.

    CLANGG- CLANGG- CLANGG- CLANGG~

    But a sudden, resounding clash had the bandit¡¯s sneering in frustration, their deadly projectiles ricocheting off a hard surface.

    [Ironhide Bulwark +2]

    [Rank: Rare

    Type: Shield

    Melee Defense Power: 15.9 | Magical Defense Power: 25.4 | Durability: 48/59

    The Ironhide Bulwark is a formidable shield, its surface dominated by the menacing visage of an Orc chieftain, forever immortalized in iron. The etched face, with its fierce glare and battle-worn scowl, seems to challenge enemies to strike, only to meet an impenetrable wall.

    Reinforced with layers of hardened steel, this shield excels at repelling both physical blows and magical attacks, making it an indomitable defense for any seasoned warrior.

    ?? Defense +5

    ?? Knockback Chance +51%

    ?? Petrification Chance +35%

    Conditions of Use: Lvl 26+ | Strength 85+ | Stamina 65+]

    [Petrification Status]

    [A creeping curse invades the target¡¯s body, progressively turning flesh to stone and severely limiting movement until immobilization. Fully petrified foes are rendered helpless and can shatter upon impact. As breathing becomes increasingly difficult, health drains by 0.2% per second for 60 seconds. Duration can also be dependent on the level and grade of the weapon or skill used to apply the status effect, as well as the target¡¯s level of resistance.]

    Sparks erupted from the grating clash of the Lipanthyer¡¯s Fang against the leader¡¯s axe, even while Daisuke deftly maneuvered the shield in his right hand to fend off incoming arrows.

    ¡°RAWRR!¡±

    Zephyr¡¯s mana-forged fangs sank into the jugular of a bandit foolish enough to venture too close, leaving the man crumpling lifelessly to the ground. The brutal display earned the tiny canine a newfound wariness from the remaining bandits.

    In response, a sharp whistle summoned a pack of Bearhounds from the surrounding brush. The hulking beasts wasted no time, lunging at the lone pup with unrelenting ferocity, their massive forms circling him in a coordinated assault.

    ¡°AWRUU!¡±

    ¡°Zephyr!¡± Daisuke exclaimed.

    The leader seethed with rage, his pride stung by the realization that this boy¡ªlikely a mere fraction of his own age¡ªwas fending off his mighty axe with just one arm. Yet, he refused to let his anger cloud his judgment. He had long since learned that judging a Fallen by their appearance was a fatal mistake. A fragile-looking old woman could possess the strength to rival a thousand Minotaurs, and no hint of that power would show on the surface.

    With a sinister chuckle, the man hammered his axe against Daisuke¡¯s blade in a flurry of strikes before hurling a small, suspicious sack to the ground. The bag burst open, unleashing a dense smokescreen that shrouded the battlefield in an impenetrable haze.

    Amid the chaos, Thalia was swiftly seized, her muffled cries barely audible over the commotion, while Zephyr remained locked in a fierce struggle against his much larger counterparts.

    As the bandits fled with their captives in tow, the archers lurking in the underbrush withdrew, but not without raining down a final barrage of arrows. Each shot was precise, ensuring that Daisuke remained firmly planted where he stood, unable to pursue.

    The hounds, last to retreat, glanced nervously toward a growing disturbance. A low, foreboding rumble filled the air, growing louder with each passing second. The ground beneath their feet began to vibrate ominously, a sign that whatever approached was not far behind.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡± Daisuke¡¯s face paled, his voice faltering. ¡°Did they use an Insidious Incense?¡±

    The answer arrived in the form of the first wave of Kobolds erupting from the woods in a frenzy. Unlike Repel Incense, which kept monsters at bay, Insidious Incense drew them in, stoking their hunger and driving them into a ravenous state.

    The Kobold¡¯s mouths dripped with thick saliva, eyes wild and glazed, their every movement fueled by an insatiable hunger. Talons scraped against the earth, and their jagged fangs gleamed, eager to rend flesh from bone in their relentless, bloodthirsty charge.

    ¡°Haxks!¡± Thalia cried, her voice cutting through the mist as she reached out from the back of a retreating horse, her figure barely visible in the swirling fog.

    ¡°Thalia!¡± Daisuke yelled in return, his heart pounding as he stretched toward her, helpless against the distance.

    Through the Eye of Verity, Daisuke could see the girl¡¯s tear-streaked face, her wide eyes filled with fear as the bandits made their hasty retreat on horseback.

    A surge of anger and frustration coursed through him, intensifying with each second as her figure grew smaller, gradually consumed by the growing swarm of monsters spilling from the woods.

 CHAPTER 142: Through the Thicket of Fear

    A blazing bonfire pushed back the dense shadows and chilled air that had settled over the forest. Gathered around it, over a dozen men sprawled in the flickering light, exchanging wicked stories and raucous laughter as they feasted on monstron and drank deeply from mugs of mead.

    In the distance, the horses were tethered to barren trees, their restless neighs punctuating the night as they grazed on what little grass remained through the winter frost.

    While Robin Hood and his loyal followers were locked away in a nearby wagon, Thalia was bound to a tree stump just within the bandits¡¯ constant gaze. As close as she was, the warmth of the crackling fire barely reached her unfortunately, leaving her shivering in the frigid cold. Her teeth chattered relentlessly as the frost bit into her skin. Her wrists were raw and bruised, the ropes cutting deeper with each attempt to loosen them.

    ¡°Are we going to be alright?¡± one of the bandits asked, taking a swig of mead that left a frothy trail in his puffy beard. ¡°We lost our scanner recently, so we can¡¯t confirm if the girl¡¯s part of the guild or not.¡±

    ¡°We could always, you know¡­ hiccup¡­ ask her,¡± muttered another man, his unsteady posture and drooping neck clearly showing that he¡¯d had one too many to drink.

    ¡°And you honestly think she¡¯ll just cooperate?¡± a third man shot back.

    A fourth man chugged down an entire mug of his delicious beverage, letting out a loud, satisfied burp. ¡°We could always break her little fingers one by one until she talks,¡± he suggested, his grin unsettling.

    Thalia¡¯s eyes widened in terror at the thought.

    The leader, unfazed, casually used a knife to carve into the wild boar roasting over the fire, slipping a juicy morsel into his mouth with the tip of the blade. ¡°Damaged goods don¡¯t sell as well,¡± he said coolly, wiping his mouth. ¡°So no one touches her. As for the scanner, we¡¯re desperate. We¡¯ll take the risk.¡±

    ¡°The boss is right,¡± another man agreed, his eyes sharp and calculating, a glint of intellect behind his weathered face. ¡°With the surplus of slaves flooding the market due to the supply chain crisis at Wavecrest, it''s crucial that our stock remains premium quality to outshine the competition. So, like the boss said, don¡¯t lay a hand¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hiccup!¡±

    The drunken bandit, clearly beyond any semblance of reason, staggered toward the squirming captive. Ignoring the warning, he licked his lips, a lecherous glint in his eyes. ¡°It¡¯d be a waste,¡± he muttered, his voice slurred and thick with alcohol, ¡°to sell her off without a little fun first.¡± He crouched in front of her, his smirk twisted with intent.

    The bandit with the sharper mind sprang to his feet, his eyes narrowing in fury. ¡°Are you deaf?¡± he snarled, his voice thick with contempt. ¡°The boss just told you not to ruin the merchandise!¡±

    ¡°Relax, you kiss-ass,¡± the drunken man retorted with a leer, his hand inching toward the woman¡¯s gag. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal¡­ I¡¯ll just have a little fun with her pretty little mouth. What¡¯s the harm?¡±

    ¡°¡­A little discipline to break her spirit wouldn¡¯t hurt,¡± the leader mused, tilting his head back as he tore another piece of meat from the spit and slipped it into his mouth. ¡°The buyer will appreciate it, but don¡¯t get carried away¡ªdon¡¯t ruin her mind completely.¡±

    The smarter bandit clicked his tongue in frustration, then slumped back down with a sigh of defeat.

    ¡°Kekekekh,¡± the drunkard snickered, his tongue lolling as he turned back around to face the horrified girl. ¡°You heard him,¡± he murmured, his voice dripping with menace. ¡°You and I are about to have some fun.¡± His face twisted with sadistic pleasure as he leaned closer, his breath rancid. ¡°If you bite me, I¡¯ll make sure to pull out every last one of your teeth... slowly.¡±

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    Thalia¡¯s eyes quivered in dread, and yet, the moment the man¡¯s index finger neared her mouth to remove the gag, she sank her teeth into it with every ounce of strength she had. The bandit recoiled with a guttural howl of pain. Seizing the moment, Thalia twisted her bloodied hands free from the ropes, pushed the man to the ground with a swift shove, and bolted into the night.

    ¡°YOU BITCH!¡± the bandit bellowed, his mangled finger dangling uselessly to the side. ¡°I¡¯ll fucking kill you! Just you wait!¡±

    The thunder that rumbled through the night sky seemed to echo the weight of the man¡¯s sinister words, amplifying their dark promise.

    Thalia¡¯s heart played a frantic tattoo in her chest as she fled through the shadows, her breath coming in ragged gasps, burning like bile in her throat. And it wasn¡¯t long before the grey slant of rain bombarded the land. The droplets that pierced through the canopy stung her skin like a thousand tiny needles.

    ¡°RUFF-RUFF-RUFF!¡±

    Thalia faintly heard the bandits¡¯ enraged shouts as they released their hounds and hurried to saddle their horses. Panic surged through her as she jerked her head back around and stumbled forward, her movements clumsy as she fought to make sense of the inky darkness surrounding her.

    The icy wind seeped into her bones, and every shadow seemed to shift, hiding a predator ready to strike. Each snap of a twig beneath her feet echoed in her ears, sounding like the unraveling of her sanity.

    Thalia stumbled and fell more times than she could count, each time forcing herself back up, her heart pounding with fear and desperation. Her skin stung as leaves, branches, and thorns tore at her, but she didn¡¯t falter or slow down. She wasn¡¯t an adventurer, but as a guild clerk, she knew this chase was futile. She knew there was no true escape.

    She wasn¡¯t just being pursued by Bearhounds, known for their sharp sense of smell, boundless stamina, and persistence; the bandits on horseback were closing in as well. It was only a matter of time before the adrenaline that had fueled her escape drained away, leaving her physically spent and vulnerable. After all she¡¯d done¡ªgetting Haxks killed because of her own selfishness¡ªperhaps this was the fate she deserved. Yet, deep down, a stubborn part of her still clung to the hope that she would have a part to play in these men thoroughly paying for their crimes.

    But alas, it seemed that fate would not bend to her will.

    THUMP-THUMP-THUMP!

    The thunderous footfalls of a snarling beast drew closer with each passing second. Thalia¡¯s heart pounded in her chest as she recognized the unmistakable sound of a Bearhound. Her instincts screamed that this creature wasn¡¯t going to simply corner her and wait for its masters. No, it was coming to tear her apart, and only the intervention of its handlers would stop it from finishing the job.

    ¡°ROARR!¡±

    The hound lunged from the underbrush like a savage Lipanthyer, its claws ready to tear into its prey, thick saliva dripping from its bared fangs. In a blind panic, Thalia raised her arms to protect herself, a scream of terror tearing from her throat. But just as the creature was about to descend upon her, a blur shot out from the shadows, cutting through the rain like a razor-sharp blade.

    FLOP-FLOP!

    The body of the hound and its decapitated head tumbled to the side in a bloody heap. Landing in front of Thalia, Zephyr shielded her with his tiny frame, snarling as his bristled fur radiated a red aura.

    ¡°Z-Zephyr!¡± Thalia gasped, her voice trembling with a blend of relief and astonishment.

    Before she could utter another word, Zephyr shot back into the shadows, his Berserk state propelling him with an insatiable thirst for vengeance against the other approaching hounds.

    Meanwhile, from the cover of the bushes, a hidden archer had Thalia locked in his sights, his bowstring drawn tight. An arrow, laced with a potent sleeping drug, was readied, its deadly intent aimed squarely at her.

    Before the archer could release the poisoned arrow, the bowstring snapped with a sharp crack, leaving him bewildered. He barely had time to comprehend what had just happened when a dark figure seemingly materialized behind him, golden eyes gleaming ominously from beneath its hood.

    Before he could even gasp, the figure silenced him with a hand over his mouth and drove a blade deep into his back. With a brutal twist, the life drained from the archer, instantly sending him into an eternal slumber.

    One by one, the other bowmen who relied on their stealth were met with an inescapable end. A kunai embedded itself in the nape of one perched high on a branch, an arrow pierced the eye socket of another concealed in the hollow of a tree trunk, and a third, hiding behind a large boulder, had his neck snapped with a sickening sound. Each met their fate without ever seeing their predator.

    With the Shadow Veil skill, Daisuke glided through the forest like a phantom. In an instant, he materialized on the back of a horse, his daggers flashing as he decapitated the rider with a swift, seamless strike. Before the body could even hit the ground, he vanished once more, as silent and elusive as the night itself.

    Pant-pant-pant!

    Thalia reached the heart of the current battlefield just in time to see Zephyr collapse, exhausted but victorious after taking down the last of the Bearhounds. Her heart lurched as one of the bandits rushed toward the motionless pup, sword raised to deliver a fatal strike.